Maree Todd MSP urges people to apply for school age payment

Maree Todd, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP, is urging parents and carers to apply for school age payment as applications open.

Under the fund, eligible families and carers will receive a payment of £267.65 to help with costs associated with a child starting primary school.

Best Start Grant School Age Payment is available to families who get Universal Credit, tax credits or certain benefits with children born between March 1 2017 and February 28 2018.

Maree Todd said: "“We know that there are costs associated with a child transitioning from nursery to primary school, and for some families– particularly at a time where household budgets are stretched – this can be a significant financial burden.

“The Scottish Government’s School Age Payment is designed to help support families with this transition by offering a one-off payment of £267.65 to all eligible families and carers.

“This money will help at a key stage in a child’s life and can be used for anything from a new pair of shoes to arts and crafts materials.

“I would urge families and carers to check their eligibility to ensure this vital support is accessed ahead of the new school term in August.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting low income families in Scotland – the School Age Payment is just one of five social security benefits administered by Social Security Scotland, which includes the Scottish Child Payment, three Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods.

“With the limited powers it has, the Scottish Government is building a better, fairer more compassionate system.”

Families and carers can check find out more about the School Age Payment and how to apply online or by calling 0800 182 2222.

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