Extra cash available for some Grampian families
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Some families in the North East with five and six-year-old children might be eligible for extra cash.
Applications open today for this year’s Best Start Grant School Age Payment.
The payment, which is only available in Scotland, is open to families who get tax credits or certain other benefits and have a child who was born between March 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017.
It is part of five family payments delivered by Social Security Scotland.
The other four are Best Start Foods, Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Scottish Child Payment.
Urging families to apply, Moray's MSP Richard Lochhead said: "The SNP Scottish Government is working to ensure that every child has the best start in life.
"The Best Start payments have been vital in ensuring children across Scotland have the best start in life, with around £5,000 of support being provided by the time a child turns six.
"These payments form part of that effort to build a fairer, more equal Scotland.
"As part of that work the Scottish Government is set to increase Best Start Foods payments within its first 100 days in government.
"The SNP is also committed to doubling the Scottish Child Payment to £20 a week as soon as practicable."
Best Start Foods payments are set to increase to £4.50 per week on August 1 to support low income families to buy healthy food for children under the age of three.
Eligible families can apply via mygov.scot/beststart or calling 0800 182 2222.
