Back to school financial support

New uniforms, school bags, nursery essentials and lunch costs can all add up quickly, placing real pressure on household budgets at this time of year. 

Social Security Scotland has a range of payments to help ease those costs – from nursery age right through to secondary school. Thousands of families already benefit from this support, but many may not realise they are eligible. 

Support for nursery-aged children 

For families with children aged between two years and three years and six months old, the Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment of £331.95 can help with the costs of toys, books, clothing and other items that support a child's development. There is no requirement to take up a place at nursery to qualify for this payment. Families receiving Scottish Child Payment and are eligible for this payment will be paid automatically, there is no need to apply.  

Families may also be able to receive Best Start Foods, a payment that can help parents buy healthy foods during pregnancy and up to a child is 3 years old.  

Help for children starting primary school 

Starting primary school is a big milestone – and it can be an expensive one. 

The £331.95 Best Start Grant School Age Payment can be used for anything a child needs to start school, including uniforms, school bags, books and equipment. Applications are now open for children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. A child does not need to go to school to receive this payment and children deferring starting primary this year still need to apply by the deadline of 28 February 2027 to receive the payment.    

Children who are eligible for this payment and already receive Scottish Child Payment will be paid automatically - there is no need to apply. 

Help for all ages - families with children 16 years and under  

Scottish Child Payment is available to families with children under 16 and provides £112.80 every four weeks for every eligible child. It's designed to help with the everyday costs of raising a family and can make a significant difference to household finances throughout the year – not just at back-to-school time. 

Check eligibility 

As children head back to nursery and school after the summer holidays, now is a good time to review what financial help may be available. Eligibility is normally linked to receiving certain benefits, including Universal Credit, however it isn’t a requirement for some people aged 20 and younger.  

To find out more on the range of payments available and eligibility visit Children and family - mygov.scot  

For resources to share across your networks and communications channels, including material in alternative formats and languages visit Resources - Social Security Scotland