Best Start Grant School Age Payment is paid automatically to those who already receive Scottish Child Paymentbut some people still need to apply.
Applications are now open to those who:
don’t qualify for Scottish Child Payment but get Housing Benefit.
have opted out of automatic Best Start Grant payments
are under 19 and dependent on someone else who gets benefits for you
If you’re currently receiving Scottish Child Payment you will receive a text when we’re checking eligibility and we will send a letter to let you know if you will get the payment automatically.
Applications open for Best Start Grant School Age Payment
Families across Scotland can now apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school, as applications for Best Start Grant School Age Payment open today (1 June 2026).
The payment, unique to Scotland, is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. It is designed to ease the financial pressures that come with a child starting primary one and can be spent on anything families need – from clothes and stationery to school trips.
Whether a family can receive the payment depends on the child’s age and when they are first old enough to start primary school, typically between 4 and 5 years.
Importantly, families do not need to wait until their child starts school to apply. Those who are deferring their child’s start date, or whose child will not be attending school, are still eligible and must apply before applications close on 28 February 2027.
Families receiving Scottish Child Payment who are eligible for School Age Payment should get an automated payment and do not need to apply.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Starting school is a landmark moment in a child’s life, but sadly it can also put real financial pressure on families. That’s why we introduced the Best Start Grant School Age Payment – to help ensure that every child in Scotland can begin their school journey with what they need, regardless of their family’s circumstances.
“This support is a vital part of our wider commitment to eradicating child poverty, making sure help reaches families at key moments in a child’s life.”
Sara Spencer, Cost of the School Day Project Manager said: “We know from our work with children and families that starting school adds real pressure to already stretched family finances. That’s why it’s really important that families apply for the financial support, like the School Age Payment, that they are entitled to.”
School Age Payment is a payment of £331.95 per child. Applications for children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022 are open from 1 June 2026 to 28 February 2027.
To get Best Start Grant School Age Payment the person applying will normally need to be receiving one of the following payments: Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Families have until 28 February 2027 to submit their application. The payment is also open to kinship carers and adoptive parents who meet the eligibility criteria.
Parents and carers can apply for multiple children, provided each child falls within the eligible age range at the time of application. Social Security Scotland will usually make the payment once per child, although additional payments may be made in certain circumstances — for example, if a child moves to live with a different kinship carer or adoptive parent within the same application window.
Families across Scotland can apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school, as applications for Best Start Grant School Age Payment open TODAY – 1 June 2026.
The payment is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. It is designed to ease the money pressures that come with a child starting primary one.
Whether a family can receive the payment depends on the child’s age and when they are first old enough to start primary school, typically between 4 and 5 years old.
Families receiving Scottish Child Payment who are eligible for School Age Payment should get an automated payment and do not need to apply.
Families do not need to wait until their child actually starts school to apply. Those who are deferring their child’s start date, or whose child will not be attending school, are still eligible and must apply before applications close on 28 February 2027.
Scottish Government benefits delivered by Social Security Scotland are being increased by 3.8%, in line with inflation as measured by the annual rate of September 2025 Consumer Prices Index.
The earnings limit for Carer Support Payment will also be increased to £204 per week.
These increases will take effect from tomorrow – 1 April 2026.
Support worth up to £26,000 by a child’s 16th birthday
One parent families are being urged to check if they are eligible for social security support this National Single Parents Day (21 March 2026).
Lone parent families make up 24% of all families in Scotland with 87% headed by women. As one of the household types most vulnerable to financial pressures, they are disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis, often cutting back on essentials. Research shows 70% have no or low savings and are more likely to be in debt or arrears.
Social Security Scotland’s package of support for families – including Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, could make a difference to household budgets. Updated calculations for 2026/27 show they could be worth £11,000 by the time an eligible child turns six, and around £26,000 by the time a child turns 16. This compares to less than £2,000 for families in England and Wales, where support ends when an eligible child turns four.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville is urging all parents and carers — including single parents — to find out if they are eligible.
Ms Somerville said: “We know that families are struggling to make ends meet and National Single Parents Day is a timely reminder that lone parent families are particularly vulnerable, but help is available.
“The Scottish Government is providing families right across Scotland with the best cost-of-living support package in the UK. This financial support can boost household incomes and help families pay for everyday essentials such as nutritious food and clothes, helping to ensure a child’s circumstances doesn’t stop them getting the best start in life.”
Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland, added: “Too many single parents are still facing the daily challenge of making ends meet. With four in ten children in single parent families living in poverty, financial support such as the Scottish Child Payment and Best Start Grants can make a real difference.
“These payments provide vital help directly to families who need it most, easing the pressure of rising living costs and helping ensure children have the essentials they need to thrive. One Parent Families Scotland is proud to continue working alongside Social Security Scotland to support single parents understand and access the support they are entitled to.”
Michelle Goldie, a single mum of three from Edinburgh said: “As a single parent, Scottish Child Payment has been a huge help to me. I have three young daughters, and the extra money allows us to do activities together and enables the girls to attend clubs.
“I feel that there is a stigma around being a single parent and around asking for help which is a shame as it may put people off from applying. I encourage all parents, including single parents, to check if they are eligible for support and get the help they are entitled to. It may make all the difference.”
National Single Parents Day is celebrated annually on 21 March to recognise the dedication of single parents and highlight available support.
