Best Start Grant: Early Learning Payment

In this guide, we will discuss the key points of the Early Learning Payment, including how the application process works and when you can expect to receive a first payment.

Am I eligible for the Early Learning Payment?

To receive the Early Learning Payment, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You are responsible for the child or are responsible for the child in some other way, e.g., if you are a kinship carer, guardian, or you are adopting the child.
• Your child must be between 2 years old and 3 years and 6 months old
• Receive a qualifying benefit
• Apply within the time limit
• Your child does not need to attend nursery

Also, the following should be noted:

If you're under 18: You can get an Early Learning Payment regardless of income or benefits.

If you're 18 or 19 and someone still claims benefits for you: You may qualify if they receive:

• Child Benefit
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit

You must still be included in their claim (e.g., still in school).

If you're 18 or over and claiming benefits yourself: You can get the payment if you or your partner receives:

• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit

How can I apply for the Early Learning Payment?

Those receiving Scottish Child Payment will benefit from a Best Start auto award for the payments of the Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments. This means that you will be automatically assessed for these payments and no longer need to apply.

Clients will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland advising them if they are reviewing their case for an automatic award of Best Start Grant.

If you are getting Scottish Child Payment for a child, the Early Learning Payment can be awarded without you having to make a claim for it. Otherwise, if you are looking to apply for Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment, you can apply for any of the grants by either filling out the form online, over the phone or via the post.

To be eligible to apply online, you will need to have a permanent address, be over the age of 18, have a bank account, and apply for your own application.

If you want to apply via phone, you can call Social Security Scotland for free on: 0800 182 2222.

When applying, you should have the following information readily available so that you can complete the application:

• Your name, date of birth, and address
• National Insurance Number
• Bank, Credit Union, or Building Society Account Details
• If you have a partner, their name and date of birth
• Details of any children you have or care for

If you have been asked to send any documents to Social Security Scotland, you can do this by either uploading documents online or sending them in the post.

How much is the Early Learning Payment?

The Early Learning Payment is a one-off payment per child and is designed to assist with the cost of early living expenses. For the payment amount, please visit mygov.scot website here.

For example, you may wish to spend the payment on toys, transport costs or clothes.

You can receive the Early Learning Payment for multiple children if you apply when each child is at the right age stage when you apply.

What should I expect after I apply?

All clients receiving Scottish Child Payment will automatically be assessed for the payments of Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment.

If Social Security Scotland decides that you should be awarded the payment, you will receive both the payment and the determination letter.

What if my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change, then it is important that you inform Social Security Scotland so that they can update your details and ensure that you do not break the law and in turn receive the right benefits.

Before informing Social Security Scotland of a change in circumstances, you will also need to alert HMRC, your local council, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

You should get in touch with Social Security Scotland if the following information changes:

• Your name changes
• Your address changes
• You move house
• You stop getting a benefit
• You’re living circumstances have changed, such as a partner no longer living with you
• You’re pregnant
• You’re no longer looking after a child
• You have started to look after a new child
• You’re contact details have changed

You can notify Social Security Scotland of these changes by either completing an online form or by phone on 0800 182 2222.

You can find more information on the Best Start Foods grant on the mygov.scot website.