MP reiterates that families who can apply should do so without delay.

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

Eligible parents of children born between 1 March 2015 and 29 Feb 2016 can access the payment, whether their child is attending school or not.

Applications for children who were born between March 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017 will be open from June 1 this year.

The new Scottish Child Payment of £10 a week per child is also still open for applications from eligible families although Social Security Scotland say payments will not be backdated and so applications should therefore be submitted as soon as possible to ensure you do not lose out on this financial support.

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 via their direct helpdesk telephone number of: 0800 182 2222.