Low income parents in Scotland can now access three cash payments for their child up until school age.
The Best Start Grant includes three one off grants; the pregnancy and baby payment, early learning payment and school age payment.
The payments are part of the Scottish Government’s new package to support families in receipt of eligible benefits - including Universal Credit, Income Support, Housing Benefit and tax credits - to help at key stages in a child’s life.
The pregnancy and baby payment is to help with the cost of pregnancy or having a new baby. You can apply from 24 weeks pregnant up to the day your baby is six months old.
If it is your first child you will receive £600, if it is your second of third child you will be entitled to £300 per child.
The early learning grant is a one-off payment of £250 when your child starts nursery, and children between the ages of two to three and a half are eligible. The grant can be used for clothes, shoes, books and days out.
And the school age grant is to cover the cost of your child starting school. So you can purchase uniforms, shoes and books.
All applicants must meet the qualifying criteria, so if you receive Universal Credit, income support, pension credit, housing benefit, child tax credit, working tax credit, you will be able to apply.
To find out more, or to apply, click here .
