PARENTS in Scotland are being urged to check if they can receive benefits as pupils prepare to return to school after the summer holidays.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, who is responsible for social security, has stressed the importance of the entitlements.

With schools due back, the Scottish Child Payment, Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods, she said, could ease the pressure on struggling families.

“The most important priority for our Government is eradicating child poverty, and we are committed to easing the pressure on families by getting vital money into their pockets at key stages in their child’s life,” she said.

“Whether it is helping families to buy healthy foods during pregnancy and for their kids as they grow, pushchairs to help on the move, or new shoes and clothing for school, our payments are there when they need it most.

“We’re already supporting thousands of families across Scotland through our five family payments, and wider Scottish Government support is also helping to protect them as much as we can from the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Even if you are working you could still get these payments and I want to encourage everyone to check if they are eligible and access the money they are entitled to.”