Wishaw parents with toddlers could be in line for a payment of £250.
Those who applied for the new Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment when it launched two years ago are being urged to check if they can now get Early Learning Payment, which can be spent on anything a child needs.
The first parents to receive the Best Start Grant in December 2018 who now have children aged between two and three-and-a-half years old could be eligible for the further £250 payment – but they have to reapply as eligibility is based on their current circumstances.
When applying for this funding boost, they will also have the option to apply for the new Scottish Child Payment at the same time.
Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Best Start Grant is there to help families at key stages in a child’s life.
“The Early Learning Payment can be spent on anything you need for your child at this age from toys to help them learn to new clothes and shoes – and you don’t have to take up a place in nursery to get it.
“I am delighted that these families will soon be able to access Scottish Child Payment too, giving them an extra £40 every four weeks on top of these one-off Best Start Grant payments.
“I encourage parents applying for any of the Best Start Grant payments to select the optional box and apply for Scottish Child Payment on the same form.”
Scottish Child Payment applications are being accepted now ahead of its introduction on Monday, February 15, to help manage expected demand.
Parents need to apply for each Best Start Grant payment when their child enters the age eligibility range; it doesn’t happen automatically.
They don’t need to have received the Pregnancy and Baby Payment to be eligible for any other Best Start Grant payment.
To be eligible, parents or carers have to live in Scotland and be receiving tax credits or certain benefits.
For more information on eligibility criteria, and to apply, visit mygov.scot/benefits
