For immediate release

Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen Constituency, is urging parents and carers in Rutherglen and Cambuslang not to miss out on support for children about to start Primary 1, and check if they are eligible for the School Age Payment before the application deadline. 

The School Age Payment is one of Social Security Scotland’s Best Start Payments, which is only available in Scotland. It is made to families who receive certain other benefits or payments, to support them at a key stage in their child’s life when they may be facing extra costs.

The payment of £314.45 per child is made around the time a child is old enough to start primary school, and can be spent on any essentials such as books, bags, clothing, and school equipment.

Social Security Scotland automatically makes the payment to eligible people who receive Scottish Child Payment, although those who do not receive Scottish Child Payment, or have opted out of automatic payments must apply before the deadline. The deadline for application is 28 February for those with a child born between March 2019 and 29 February 2020. 

Further information on all of the Best Start Payments, including how to apply, can be found at www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods

Commenting, Clare Haughey said;

“If you have a child aged 5, or who turns five this month, then you could be eligible for the School Age Payment.

“I would urge everyone who is eligible to make sure that they don’t miss the deadline for applications on 28^th February.

“School Age Payment is part of the Scottish Government’s series of Best Start payments, designed to ensure every child in Scotland gets exactly that – the best start possible in their lives.

“A child starting primary school is a huge and significant milestone in a family’s life, and this payment can make an important contribution to helping them prepare for it.”

ENDS