Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil is urging island families not to miss out on vital support funds.

Parents and carers who receive welfare support – such as Universal Credit – can apply for the annual School Age Payment of £250 for each child in Primary 1 before the deadline for applications on February 28.

Eligible parents of children born between 1 March 2015 and 29 Feb2016 can access the payment, whether their child is attending school or not. Applications for children born between March 1 2016 and February 28 2017 will open from June 1 2021.

The new Scottish Child Payment of £10 a week per child is also still open for applications from eligible families although payments will not be backdated and so applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

Mr MacNeil said: “Applications for family support payments are now more important than ever.

“Covid-19 has led to additional financial challenges for many families and so any extra support is welcome.”

For full details of support available please visit:

School age payment

https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/

Scottish Child Payment

https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment/

 or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.