We have changed the way that we deliver Best Start Grant School Age Payment

Eligible families now receive payment automatically

Best Start Grant School Age Payment will be paid from Thursday 1 June 2023.

Parents, carers and guardians who get Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits and who have a child born between 1 March 2018 and 28 February 2019 are being urged to check whether they should apply for Best Start Grant School Age Payment or if they now get the payment automatically.

Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a payment of £294.70 per child. It helps with the costs of preparing for school. You are eligible at the point your child is first old enough to start primary school. It is part of the five family payments people may be able to get, along with Scottish Child Payment.

If someone is already getting Scottish Child Payment and they are eligible for Best Start Grant School Age Payment, this will be paid automatically when their child is first old enough to start primary school.

We will notify clients by text message when we are checking eligibility for the Best Start Grants and, if someone is eligible, we will write to advise them of the payment.

The move to automatic awards will mean less paperwork for tens of thousands of families and ensures that families receive the support they’re entitled to.

However, a small number of people who receive Housing Benefit are eligible for School Age Payment but not Scottish Child Payment. They must apply for School Age Payment from June 1 before the window closes on 29 February 2024.

Similarly, those who have chosen not to apply for Scottish Child Payment, and those who have opted out of automatic payments, should apply for School Age Payment from June 1.

If you work with people who may be eligible, please help promote Best Start Grant School Age Payment by sharing across your networks and channels.

Parents, carers and guardians can get more information and apply at mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.