Evelyn Tweed MSP has encouraged eligible families in Stirling to apply for this year’s Best Start Grant School Age Payment, as applications open today.
The payment, which is only available in Scotland, is open to families who get tax credits or certain other benefits and have a child who was born between 1st March 2016 and 28th February 2017.
It is part of five family payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that also include: Best Start Foods, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Scottish Child Payment.
Best Start Foods payments are set to increase to £4.50 per week on 1st August to support low income families to buy healthy food for children under the age of three.
Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘Our SNP Scottish Government are working hard to fulfil our commitment to Scotland’s children – that they’ll have the best start in life. These payments form part of that effort to build a fairer, more equal Scotland. I would urge all families who are eligible to apply to do so as soon as possible.
‘We’re set to increase Best Start Foods payments within the first 100 days in government – as well as doubling the Scottish Child Payment to £20 as soon as practicable.
‘The Best Start payments have been vital in ensuring children in Stirling and across Scotland have the best start in life, with around £5,000 of support being provided by the time a child turns six.’
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Eligible families can apply by visiting mygov.scot/beststart or calling 0800 182 2222
