Best Start Grant School Age Payment

Families across Scotland can apply for over £330 to help with the costs of preparing for primary school, as applications for Best Start Grant School Age Payment open on 1 June 2026. 
 
The payment is available to eligible families with children born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. It is designed to ease the money pressures that come with a child starting primary one. 
 
Whether a family can receive the payment depends on the child’s age and when they are first old enough to start primary school, typically between 4 and 5 years old. 
 
Families receiving Scottish Child Payment who are eligible for School Age Payment should get an automated payment and do not need to apply.

Families do not need to wait until their child actually starts school to apply. Those who are deferring their child's start date, or whose child will not be attending school, are still eligible and must apply before applications close on 28 February 2027.  
 
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