Families with children born between 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020 are encouraged to check if they are eligible for the £314.45 School Age Payment.

This payment is made automatically to families who receive Scottish Child Payment, but families who do not receive Scottish Child Payment or who have opted out of automatic payments must apply before the deadline of 28 February 2025.

Some families who are not eligible for Scottish Child Payment might still be eligible for the School Age Payment. This includes parents and carers who:

  • are under 18 and do not receive any other benefits;
  • are 18 or 19 and dependent on someone else who receives benefits for them;
  • receive housing benefit.

Families who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2024 to August 2025, or those home educating, must still apply before the closing date or they will miss their opportunity to access the School Age Payment.

For more information and to apply go to www.mygov.scot/beststart or call Social Security Scotland on their Freephone number 0800 182 2222.