People and carers in the Western Isles are able to apply for £319.80 in the School Age Payment scheme, helping with the cost of preparing for school.

The payment helps carers and families facing additional costs at a key stage in a child’s development. The money can be spent on anything a child needs for school, including clothes, school trips and stationery.

Part of the Best Start Grant package, which is unique to Scotland, the School Age Payment is available for children born between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2021.

The payment is available for multiple children born during this time and there is no requirement to take up a place at school.

Since the launch of Best Start Grant in 2018, Social Security Scotland has delivered over 400 School Age Payment claims in Na h-Eileanan Siar.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “Families and carers in Na h-Eileanan Siar should not miss out on support they are entitled to – especially at such an important milestone in a child’s life. School Age Payment helps ease the financial pressures of starting school while playing an important role in our mission to tackle child poverty. 

“I strongly encourage parents and carers to check if they are eligible and apply before the February deadline to make sure their child gets the best start possible.”

To be eligible for the School Age Payment through the Best Start Grant, a person or their partner must live in Scotland, be pregnant or have a child who’s the right age for a payment, is the main person looking after the child, and get certain benefits or payments.

The person or their partner must also get either Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Pension Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance to be eligible for Best Start Grant and Foods.

To apply for School Age Payment, click here.