Families can get help with back-to-school costs
Parents and carers are being urged to check if they are eligible for funding as children prepare to return to school after the summer holidays.
The Scottish Government says there are five family payments, administered by Social Security Scotland, that can help pay for back-to-school expenses as well as everyday costs for food and clothing.
They include the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly payment of £26.70 for eligible families with children up to 16. The payment is unique to Scotland and is supporting over 329,000 children and young people.
The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods are designed to help families at key stages in their children’s early years, including during pregnancy.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “The most important priority for our government is eradicating child poverty, and we are committed to easing the pressure on families by getting vital money into their pockets at key stages in their child’s life.
“Whether it is helping families to buy healthy foods during pregnancy and for their kids as they grow, pushchairs to help on the move, or new shoes and clothing for school, our payments are there when they need it most.”
Families and carers can find out more and apply at mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment and at mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.