Latest news with #Tax-FreeChildcare
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Parents urged to check for £500 cash help as summer childcare costs rise to over £1,000
Parents urged to check for £500 cash help as summer childcare costs rise to over £1,000 The average cost of summer childcare in Scotland is now £186 per week. Families paying for childcare over the six-week summer holiday now face a bill of £1,076 per child on average - a rise of 4 per cent on last year, a report has found. Research by the Coram Family and Childcare charity suggests families in the UK pay on average £1,076 for six weeks at a holiday childcare club for a school-age child - £677 more than they would pay for six weeks in an after-school club during term time. The research, based on surveys of local authorities in Scotland, England and Wales between April and June, suggests the average cost of a holiday childcare club has risen by 4 per cent in a year to £179 per week. Wales has the highest weekly price at £210, followed by England at £178 and Scotland at £168. The report also found that the average cost of a childminder during the holidays is £234 per week in the UK. Tax-free childcare help Nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year. The money helps families pay for their childcare, as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change to put more money in people's pockets. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures also show that in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 4,925 families compared to the previous March. HMRC is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now and give their summer a financial boost. Latest figures from HMRC show in March 2025, 579,560 families in the UK used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 81,770 families compared to the previous March. Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child. Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that's nursery for younger children, or for older children - wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: 'Summer can be an expensive time if you have children. Whatever you're planning, Tax-Free Childcare can give your plans a welcome financial boost. Go to to start saving today.' Tax-Free Childcare in a nutshell For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the UK Government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every three months towards paying for their childcare costs. Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. HMRC said it takes just 20 minutes to apply online for a Tax-Free Childcare account. Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until September 1 after their 16th birthday Earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on here. Financial support for parents in Scotland Social Security Scotland delivers five family payments which can help pay for extra school term expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out. Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £27.15 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16 - the payment is worth £108.60 every month and is only available north of the border. Combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC, parents could be due up to £212.20 each month in additional support. Child Benefit is a separate UK-wide payment worth £26.05 for the eldest or only child and is also paid every four weeks, amounting to £104.20. The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children's early years, including during pregnancy. There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments. One-off payments for families Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment - one-off payment of up to £767.50 available after 24 weeks of pregnancy until a baby turns 6 months. Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two, and three years and six months. Best Start Grant School Age Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of starting school available between June 1 and the last day in February in the year when a child is first old enough to start primary one. Best Start Foods - up to £43.20 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food, milk and first infant formula. Get the latest Record Money news Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group for money-saving tips, the latest State Pension and benefits news, energy bill advice and cost of living updates. Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday with a special cost of living edition every Thursday - sign up here. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_ for regular updates throughout the day or get money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community. Article continues below
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Martin Lewis urges families to claim up to £2,000 boost before summer holidays
Martin Lewis is urging families not to miss out on financial help to cover the cost of childcare this summer - here's everything you need to know about the Tax-Free Childcare Scheme Martin Lewis has issued a rallying call to 800,000 families, urging them not to miss out on vital cash that could help cover childcare costs this summer. While co-hosting ITV's Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid on Wednesday, the money-saving expert highlighted how the UK Government's 'Tax-Free Childcare Scheme' can be utilised for nursery fees, childminders, summer camps and breakfast clubs. The financial expert pointed out to GMB viewers that the scheme's misleading name - Tax-Free Childcare Scheme - is causing thousands to overlook the available support. He stated: "It isn't tax-free and it isn't about tax so it's completely mis-named and totally confusing and that puts many people off." He also mentioned his ongoing campaign to have it renamed as the 'Working Family Childcare Top-Up', which he believes will prompt more families to benefit from the scheme. Mr Lewis detailed the scheme's use specifically for paying for clubs during the school summer holidays, noting its flexibility to meet individual childcare needs. In an effort to demystify the scheme for viewers, he broke down how it operates: "You put money into the Tax-Free Childcare account and for every 80 pence you put in, the state (UK Government) adds 20 pence, up to a maximum of £500 free per quarter, so £2,000 for a year which you can then use to pay on childcare." Martin previously explained in the MoneySavingExpert newsletter that this can be used to pay for childcare with registered providers. This means: In Scotland: Care Inspectorate registered In England and Wales: Ofsted registered, which includes the Early Years Register & the Childcare Register In Northern Ireland: Registered with the local Health and Social Care Trust Martin also explained the eligibility criteria: Child must be aged 11 or under, unless they have a disability in which case it rises to 16 or under Parents need to earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week on the National Minimum Wage No parent can earn over £100,000 per year Martin threw in a cautionary note for those receiving Universal Credit, stating: "If you're on Universal Credit, you're far better off claiming your childcare costs through the Universal Credit system as claiming this (Tax-Free Childcare) would actually stop your Universal Credit." He didn't stop there, adding a significant reminder: "This is just a signpost, 825,000 of the 1.25 million eligible families aren't claiming so the key is, if you pay for childcare, check out 'Tax-Free Childcare'." Diving into the world of Tax-Free Childcare, the recent stats from HMRC are enough to make any parent sit up, reports the Daily Record. Nearly 826,000 working families have padded their wallets with savings of up to £2,000 per cherub during the 2024/25 tax year. The scoop on Scotland was especially impressive in March 2025, with 36,095 families using the scheme to ease their childcare budget burdens. Working families jumping on the Tax-Free Childcare bandwagon can notch up an extra £2,000 in their yearly finances for kids under 11, or a hefty £4,000 for children up to the age of 16 if they're disabled. For busy parents navigating childcare options, from nurseries for children to after-school and holiday clubs for the bigger kids, the scheme promises to cushion against those steep childcare expenses. For every £8 deposited into a Tax-Free Childcare account, the UK Government adds an extra £2, meaning parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every three months towards their childcare costs. Once families have set up a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it immediately or save it in the account for future use. Any unused funds in the account can be withdrawn at any time. HMRC has stated that it takes just 20 minutes to apply online for a Tax-Free Childcare account. Once the account is active, parents can deposit money and use it immediately or save it in the account for future use. Any unused funds in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare Families may be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until September 1 after their 16th birthday Earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers A complete list of the eligibility criteria can be found on here. Financial support for parents in Scotland Social Security Scotland provides five family payments which can assist with additional school term expenses as well as everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out. The Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £27.15 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16 - the payment amounts to £108.60 every month and is only available north of the border. Parents could be entitled to up to £212.20 each month in additional support, combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC. Child Benefit is a separate UK-wide payment worth £26.05 for the eldest or only child and is also paid every four weeks, totalling £104.20. The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to assist families at key stages in their children's early years, including during pregnancy. There is no limit on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments. One-off payments for families Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment - one-off payment of up to £767.50 available after 24 weeks of pregnancy until a baby turns 6 months. Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two, and three years and six months. Best Start Grant School Age Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of starting school available between June 1 and the last day in February in the year when a child is first old enough to start primary one. Best Start Foods - up to £43.20 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food, milk and first infant formula. Scottish Child Payment The Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family. It is a weekly payment of £27.15 that you can get for every child you look after who is under the age of 16. Payments are made every four weeks and are worth £108.60 per child. Parents, carers and guardians can find more information on the dedicated Children and Family section on here or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. Families can learn more about the childcare offers available to them and what could fit their family by visiting Childcare Choices on here. Families in Scotland may be able to access help during the ongoing cost of living crisis through the Cost of Living Support Scotland website here.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Martin Lewis urges nearly one million families to claim childcare boost worth up to £2,000
The consumer champion is urging working parents not to miss out on childcare help this summer. How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare Martin Lewis is urging 800,000 families not to miss out on financial help to cover the cost of childcare this summer. Co-presenting Good Morning Britain (GMB) on ITV with Susanna Reid on Wednesday, the consumer champion explained how the UK Government' 'Tax-Free Childcare Scheme' can be used to pay for nursery fees, childcare, childminders, summer holiday camps and breakfast clubs. The financial guru explained to viewers that thousands of people are missing out due to the name - Tax-Free Childcare Scheme - as it's confusing and not a true representation of the support on offer. He said: 'It isn't tax-free and it isn't about tax so it's completely mis-named and totally confusing and that puts many people off.' He added that he is currently campaigning to rename it the 'Working Family Childcare Top-Up' to encourage more people to take advantage of the benefits it offers. Martin explained how the scheme can be used to help pay for clubs during the school summer holidays only, it is flexible and can be used to fit in with individual childcare needs. He also simplified how the scheme works in an effort to help more people understand how it works. He said: 'You put money into the Tax-Free Childcare account and for every 80 pence you put in, the state (UK Government) adds 20 pence, up to a maximum of £500 free per quarter, so £2,000 for a year which you can then use to pay on childcare.' Martin previously explained in the MoneySavingExpert newsletter that this can be used to pay for childcare with registered providers. This means: In Scotland: Care Inspectorate registered In England and Wales: Ofsted registered, which includes the Early Years Register & the Childcare Register In Northern Ireland: Registered with the local Health and Social Care Trust Martin also explained the eligibility criteria: Child must be aged 11 or under, unless they have a disability in which case it rises to 16 or under Parents need to earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week on the National Minimum Wage No parent can earn over £100,000 per year However, Martin had a caveat for people on Universal Credit. He explained: 'If you're on Universal Credit, you're far better off claiming your childcare costs through the Universal Credit system as claiming this (Tax-Free Childcare) would actually stop your Universal Credit.' Martin added: 'This is just a signpost, 825,000 of the 1.25 million eligible families aren't claiming so the key is, if you pay for childcare, check out 'Tax-Free Childcare'.' Tax-Free Childcare in a nutshell The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show that nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme during the 2024/25 tax year. The data also indicates that in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills. Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child. Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that's nursery for younger children, or for older children - wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead. For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the UK Government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every three months towards paying for their childcare costs. Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. HMRC said it takes just 20 minutes to apply online for a Tax-Free Childcare account. Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until September 1 after their 16th birthday Earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on here. Financial support for parents in Scotland Social Security Scotland delivers five family payments which can help pay for extra school term expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out. Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £27.15 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16 - the payment is worth £108.60 every month and is only available north of the border. Combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC, parents could be due up to £212.20 each month in additional support. Child Benefit is a separate UK-wide payment worth £26.05 for the eldest or only child and is also paid every four weeks, amounting to £104.20. The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children's early years, including during pregnancy. There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments. One-off payments for families Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment - one-off payment of up to £767.50 available after 24 weeks of pregnancy until a baby turns 6 months. Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two, and three years and six months. Best Start Grant School Age Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of starting school available between June 1 and the last day in February in the year when a child is first old enough to start primary one. Best Start Foods - up to £43.20 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food, milk and first infant formula. Scottish Child Payment Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family and is a weekly payment of £27.15 that you can get for every child you look after who is under the age of 16. Payments are made every four weeks and worth £108.60 per child. Parents, carers and guardians can get more information on the dedicated Children and Family section on here or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. Families can learn more about the childcare offers available to them and what could fit their family by visiting Childcare Choices on here. Families in Scotland may be able to access help during the ongoing cost of living crisis through the Cost of Living Support Scotland website here.
Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Martin Lewis urges nearly a million families to claim childcare boost worth up to £2,000
Martin Lewis is urging 800,000 families not to miss out on financial help to cover the cost of childcare this summer. Co-presenting Good Morning Britain (GMB) on ITV with Susanna Reid on Wednesday, the consumer champion explained how the UK Government' 'Tax-Free Childcare Scheme' can be used to pay for nursery fees, childcare, childminders, summer holiday camps and breakfast clubs. The financial guru explained to viewers that thousands of people are missing out due to the name - Tax-Free Childcare Scheme - as it's confusing and not a true representation of the support on offer. He said: 'It isn't tax-free and it isn't about tax so it's completely mis-named and totally confusing and that puts many people off.' He added that he is currently campaigning to rename it the 'Working Family Childcare Top-Up' to encourage more people to take advantage of the benefits it offers. Martin explained how the scheme can be used to help pay for clubs during the school summer holidays only, it is flexible and can be used to fit in with individual childcare needs. He also simplified how the scheme works in an effort to help more people understand how it works. He said: 'You put money into the Tax-Free Childcare account and for every 80 pence you put in, the state (UK Government) adds 20 pence, up to a maximum of £500 free per quarter, so £2,000 for a year which you can then use to pay on childcare.' Martin previously explained in the MoneySavingExpert newsletter that this can be used to pay for childcare with registered providers. This means: In Scotland: Care Inspectorate registered In England and Wales: Ofsted registered, which includes the Early Years Register & the Childcare Register In Northern Ireland: Registered with the local Health and Social Care Trust Martin also explained the eligibility criteria: Child must be aged 11 or under, unless they have a disability in which case it rises to 16 or under Parents need to earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours per week on the National Minimum Wage No parent can earn over £100,000 per year However, Martin had a caveat for people on Universal Credit. He explained: 'If you're on Universal Credit, you're far better off claiming your childcare costs through the Universal Credit system as claiming this (Tax-Free Childcare) would actually stop your Universal Credit.' Martin added: 'This is just a signpost, 825,000 of the 1.25 million eligible families aren't claiming so the key is, if you pay for childcare, check out 'Tax-Free Childcare'.' Tax-Free Childcare in a nutshell The latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show that nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child through the Tax-Free Childcare scheme during the 2024/25 tax year. The data also indicates that in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills. Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child. Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that's nursery for younger children, or for older children - wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead. For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the UK Government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every three months towards paying for their childcare costs. Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. HMRC said it takes just 20 minutes to apply online for a Tax-Free Childcare account. Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until September 1 after their 16th birthday Earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on here. Financial support for parents in Scotland Social Security Scotland delivers five family payments which can help pay for extra school term expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out. Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £27.15 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16 - the payment is worth £108.60 every month and is only available north of the border. Combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC, parents could be due up to £212.20 each month in additional support. Child Benefit is a separate UK-wide payment worth £26.05 for the eldest or only child and is also paid every four weeks, amounting to £104.20. The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children's early years, including during pregnancy. There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments. One-off payments for families Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment - one-off payment of up to £767.50 available after 24 weeks of pregnancy until a baby turns 6 months. Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two, and three years and six months. Best Start Grant School Age Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of starting school available between June 1 and the last day in February in the year when a child is first old enough to start primary one. Best Start Foods - up to £43.20 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food, milk and first infant formula. Scottish Child Payment Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family and is a weekly payment of £27.15 that you can get for every child you look after who is under the age of 16. Payments are made every four weeks and worth £108.60 per child. Parents, carers and guardians can get more information on the dedicated Children and Family section on here or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222. Families can learn more about the childcare offers available to them and what could fit their family by visiting Childcare Choices on here. Families in Scotland may be able to access help during the ongoing cost of living crisis through the Cost of Living Support Scotland website here.
Daily Record
03-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Parents urged to claim tax-free top-up to help with childcare costs over summer holidays
HMRC's tax-free scheme can help parents pay for childcare costs over the school holidays. How to apply for Tax-Free Childcare and 30 hours childcare Nearly 826,000 working families saved up to £2,000 per child with Tax-Free Childcare in the 2024 to 2025 tax year. The money helps families pay for their childcare, as part of the UK Government's Plan for Change to put more money in people's pockets. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures also show that in March 2025, 36,095 families in Scotland used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 4,925 families compared to the previous March. HMRC is encouraging those yet to sign up for Tax-Free Childcare, to do it now and give their summer plans a financial boost. Latest figures from HMRC show in March 2025, 579,560 families in the UK used the scheme to save on their annual childcare bills, an increase of 81,770 families compared to the previous March. Working families who sign up to Tax-Free Childcare can boost their annual budget by up to £2,000 per child up to the age of 11 or up to £4,000 up to the age of 16 for a disabled child. Parents can use the scheme to help towards the cost of approved childcare whether that's nursery for younger children, or for older children - wraparound or after school care clubs during term time or holiday clubs for the long summer holidays ahead. Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said: 'Summer can be an expensive time if you have children. Whatever you're planning, Tax-Free Childcare can give your plans a welcome financial boost. Go to to start saving today.' Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'It is good news that more families are making use of this support, which can provide real help at a time when household budgets are stretched by the cost-of-living and energy crisis. But many parents are still missing out, often because they are unsure how the scheme works or whether they qualify. 'With schools breaking up, it's vital that families check their eligibility and sign up so they can get the help they need to cover childcare costs over the summer. 'Our free, impartial service at is here to help anyone who is worried or confused about Tax-Free Childcare or any other tax matter. People can visit or call 0800 756 3381 for support.' Tax-Free Childcare in a nutshell For every £8 deposited in a Tax-Free Childcare account, the UK Government tops it by £2, which means parents can receive up to £500 (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) every three months towards paying for their childcare costs. Once families have opened a Tax-Free Childcare account, they can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. HMRC said it takes just 20 minutes to apply online for a Tax-Free Childcare account. Once an account is opened, parents can deposit money and use it straight away or keep it in the account to use it whenever it's needed. Any unused money in the account can be withdrawn at any time. Eligibility for Tax-Free Childcare Families could be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare if they: Have a child or children aged 11 or under. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. If their child has a disability, they may get up to £4,000 a year until September 1 after their 16th birthday Earn, or expect to earn, at least the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 hours a week, on average Each earn no more than £100,000 per annum Do not receive Universal Credit or childcare vouchers A full list of the eligibility criteria is available on here. Financial support for parents in Scotland Social Security Scotland delivers five family payments which can help pay for extra school term expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out. Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £27.15 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16 - the payment is worth £108.60 every month and is only available north of the border. Combined with Child Benefit payments from HMRC, parents could be due up to £212.20 each month in additional support. Child Benefit is a separate UK-wide payment worth £26.05 for the eldest or only child and is also paid every four weeks, amounting to £104.20. The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children's early years, including during pregnancy. There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments. One-off payments for families Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment - one-off payment of up to £767.50 available after 24 weeks of pregnancy until a baby turns 6 months. Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning when a child is between two, and three years and six months. Best Start Grant School Age Payment - one-off payment of £319.80 to help with the costs of starting school available between June 1 and the last day in February in the year when a child is first old enough to start primary one. Best Start Foods - up to £43.20 every four weeks from pregnancy up to when a child turns three to help buy healthy food, milk and first infant formula.
