Best Start Grant School Age Payment in Scotland – apply by 28 February

If you live in Scotland, you may be entitled to a School Age Payment of £331.95 per child when your child starts school. Each application window runs from 1 June to the end of February and depends on your child's date of birth.

Deadline

Every year by 28 February

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 21 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? Each application window is fixed by your child's date of birth. Once it closes, you cannot apply for that child.

The Best Start Grant School Age Payment is a one-off payment from Social Security Scotland to help with the costs of starting school. The window to apply depends on your child's date of birth.

How to do it

1. Check your child's date of birth against the application window on mygov.scot.
2. Check if you're eligible on mygov.scot.
3. Apply to Social Security Scotland within the window.

Common questions

How much is the School Age Payment?

mygov.scot shows £331.95 per child. Check the page for the current amount when you apply.

When can I apply for the School Age Payment?

For children born 1 March 2021 to 28 February 2022, apply between 1 June 2026 and 28 February 2027. For children born 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2023, apply between 1 June 2027 and 29 February 2028.

What other Best Start payments are there?

The Pregnancy and Baby Payment (from the 24th week of pregnancy until the baby is 6 months old), the Early Learning Payment (when your child is between 2 and 3 years and 6 months old) and Best Start Foods (from pregnancy until your child turns 3).

Official source: mygov.scot (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.