PARENTS IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN URGED TO APPLY FOR BEST START GRANT AHEAD OF DEADLINE

APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL AGE PAYMENT CLOSE ON 28TH FEBRUARY 
 
Constituency MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Colin Beattie has encouraged eligible families in Midlothian and East Lothian to apply for the SNP Government’s School Age Payment before applications close on the 28th of February.
 
Parents who have deferred their child’s entry to school from August 2020 to August 2021, or those home schooling, must still apply before the 28th February closing date or they will lose out on their payment.
 
The payment is part of the SNP Government’s Best Start Grant, a package of three payments for families who get tax credits or certain benefits – including Universal Credit, Income Support and Housing Benefit - to help at key stages in a child’s life. 

SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 

“As we approach the application deadline for the School Age Payment, I want to encourage eligible families in Midlothian and East Lothian who have not yet applied to get their applications in before the end of the month.
 
“Additionally, parents who weren’t eligible when the payment opened in June but whose circumstances have changed may now be eligible for this money - which can be used for things like clothes and home-schooling materials, or anything else you need for your child.
 
“Eligible people can also apply for the new Scottish Child Payment at the same time - this is an extra £40 every 4 weeks for children under 6.

“The SNP is absolutely determined that every child, regardless of circumstances, gets the best start in life, and we’re committed to ensuring families in Midlothian and East Lothian receive all the money they are entitled to.”