More than 500,000 applications for help from families to Best Start scheme

More than half a million applications for help have been made as part of a Scottish scheme that aims to help less well-off families with the costs of raising their children.

Figures published by Social Security Scotland showed since the Best Start grant and Best Start food schemes were set up, a total of £164.4 million has been paid out.

That comes after a total of 503,630 applications for help were received.

The figures were published ahead of the fifth anniversary of the introduction of two of the four payments included in the Best Start package of grants.

The Best Start grant school age payment provides families on certain benefits with a one-off payment of £314.45 being made to help with the costs of a child starting primary school.

Since being established in 2019, it has provided £33.5 million to more than 100,000 parents and carers.

Meanwhile, the Best Start foods payment is worth up £42.40 every four weeks to eligible families, with the money going to help them with the costs of buying healthy food.

Overall, the scheme has given some 86,000 parents and carers across Scotland assistance worth £57.1 million.

To mark the fifth anniversary of these payments, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville urged Scots to check and see if they could be eligible for help.

She stated: “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.”

Since the Scottish child payment was introduced, families who receive this automatically get Best Start grant school age payment, with Ms Somerville saying this, together with the removal of income limits for the Best Start foods, meant more money going to more families “when they need it most”.

She added: “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.”

Satwat Rehman, chief executive of One Parent Families Scotland, said: “We are delighted to recognise the five-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.”