Two Scottish benefits turn five

Two Scottish benefits will provide support to families are turning five years old.

Best Start Grant School Age Payment and Best Start Foods have paid out £90.6 million since their launch in 2019.

Best Start Grant School Age Payment supports families with a one-off payment of £314.45 to help cover the cost of starting primary school. So far it has provided £33.5 million to over 100,000 parents and carers.

Best Start Foods is worth up to £42.40 every four weeks and helps families purchase healthy foods. It has given £57.1 million to over 86,000 parents and carers.

Improvements have been made to the benefits over the last five years.

For example, Best Start Grant School Age Payment is now paid automatically to eligible people getting Scottish Child Payment without the need to apply.

As well as this, the removal of income limits for Best Start Foods has increased access to financial support to help more families afford healthy foods for their children.

With the anniversary, Social Security Scotland are urging families to check if they are eligible and spend money available on their Best Start Food card.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the most important priority for our government, and we are committed to making sure every child in Scotland has the best start in life.

“We have built a different social security system, one grounded in dignity, fairness, and respect. Part of this is making it as straightforward as possible for people to access the financial support that people are entitled to.

“The introduction of automatic payments and removal of income limits for Best Start Foods means we’re getting more money to families when they need it most. As families continue dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, I am urging everyone to check if they are eligible and make sure they are getting the money they need to help cover the costs of starting school and buying healthy food.

Chief Executive, One Parent Families Scotland Satwat Rehman said: “We are delighted to recognise the 5-year anniversary of the excellent Best Start Foods and Best Start Grant programmes.

“These initiatives have been instrumental in supporting families across Scotland, helping to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food and essential early years support.

“We look forward to the Scottish Government continuing this vital work and making a positive difference in the lives of many more families.”