Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? £90.6m aid for families’ school and food expenses
The Scottish government has been supporting families with school and food costs through two key benefits for the past five years, providing a total of £90.6 million in assistance. These initiatives have significantly impacted over 100,000 parents and carers, helping them cover essential expenses for their children.
The Best Start Grant School Age Payment offers a one-off payment of £314.45 to assist families with the expenses of starting primary school. This programme has already distributed £33.5 million to eligible recipients, ensuring that children have what they need to begin their educational journey.
On the other hand, the Best Start Foods scheme provides families with up to £42.40 every four weeks to support the purchase of healthy foods for their children. Over £57.1 million has been allocated through this initiative, benefiting more than 86,000 parents and carers across Scotland.
Since its inception in 2019, both programmes have undergone enhancements to expand their reach and streamline the application process. Notably, the Best Start Grant School Age Payment is now automatically provided to eligible individuals receiving the Scottish Child Payment, eliminating the need for a separate application.
Recent statistics indicate that 42,535 automatic awards were granted for School Age Payment between December 2022 and June 2024, simplifying the process for tens of thousands of families. Moreover, the removal of income limits for Best Start Foods has widened access to crucial financial aid, enabling more families to afford nutritious meals for their children.
To commemorate the five-year anniversary of these support payments, Social Security Scotland is urging families to verify their eligibility and utilise the funds available on their Best Start Food card. This initiative aims to ensure that every child in Scotland has access to essential resources for a healthy and prosperous future.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville emphasised the government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty by providing comprehensive support to families in need. She highlighted the importance of a social security system grounded in dignity, fairness, and respect, which facilitates easy access to financial assistance for those entitled to it.
Chief Executive of One Parent Families Scotland, Satwat Rehman, lauded the Best Start Foods and Best Start Grant programmes for their significant impact on families across Scotland. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition and crucial early years support.
In a testimonial, a parent receiving Best Start Early Payment Grant expressed gratitude for the assistance received, stating that the grant made a significant difference when their child was starting nursery. The support provided peace of mind and allowed them to provide necessary items for their child without financial strain.
As families continue to navigate the challenges posed by the current cost-of-living crisis, it is imperative for eligible individuals to check their eligibility for these support programmes and access the financial aid available to them. By working together, the Scottish government and Social Security Scotland aim to make a positive impact on the lives of families and children across the country.
