Last chance to apply for the Best Start School Age Payment 2022-23

The Best Start School Age Payment application window for 2022 – 2023 is closing for new applications on 28 February. This one-off payment of £267.65 is aimed towards assisting families in the cost of their child starting their first year of primary school.

We would urge parents or guardians who are not in receipt of Scottish Child Payment but who receive tax credits and certain benefits and have a child who was born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018 to apply before 28 February or they may miss out on money that they are entitled to.

If a parent or guardian already gets Scottish Child Payment for a child born between these dates they should get this payment automatically.

If someone has a child born between 1 March 2017 and 28 February 2018 and they have opted to home school or have deferred their child’s entry to next year they should apply now. They will no longer be eligible for this payment when the next application window opens on 1 June 2023.

People can apply at online, by phone, in person or by post. More information can be found at Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods – mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.

If you would like any support with this or any other benefit queries please contact our specialist team on 0300 123 2640 or via MyHillcrest app.