JENNY GILRUTH MSP URGES PARENTS TO APPLY FOR BEST START GRANT

Published date : 03 Feb 2021

APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL AGE PAYMENT CLOSE ON 28TH FEBRUARY

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has encouraged eligible families in Fife to apply for the SNP Government’s School Age Payment before applications close on 28 February.

The Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a £250 payment to help with the costs of preparing for school when a child is first old enough to start Primary school.

Parents who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2020 to August 2021, or those home schooling, must still apply before the 28 February closing date or they will lose out on their payment.

The payment is part of the SNP Government and Social Security Scotland’s Best Start Grant, a package of three payments for families who get tax credits or certain benefits – including Universal Credit, Income Support and Housing Benefit – to help at key stages in a child’s life.

Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:

“As we approach the application deadline for the School Age Payment, I want to encourage eligible families across Mid Fife and Glenrothes who have not yet applied to get their applications in before the end of the month.

“Additionally, parents who weren’t eligible when the payment opened in June but whose circumstances have changed may now be eligible for this money – which can be used for things like clothes and home-schooling materials, or anything else you need for your child.

“Eligible people can also apply for the new Scottish Child Payment at the same time – this is an extra £40 every 4 weeks for children under 6.

“The SNP is absolutely determined that every child, regardless of circumstances, gets the best start in life, and we’re committed to ensuring families in Fife, and across Scotland, receive all the money they are entitled to.”

ENDS

Notes:

Parents can find out more and apply at mygov.scot/beststart

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