The cost of living crisis is set to put the squeeze on finances for millions of households across Scotland as the nation prepares to cope with soaring energy prices and utility bills, plus increased charges on everything from subscription streaming services to mobile phone and broadband contracts.
With just a few weeks to go until we tighten our spending and brace for inflation costs hitting 7%, now is the time to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to, either from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or Social Security Scotland.
Low-income families with children under the age of six, could receive extra money before the price hikes kick in - if they act now and apply for the Scottish Child Payment, which is set to double to £20 per week from April.
The current payment of £10 per week, unique to Scotland, began in February 2021 as a direct measure by the Scottish Government to tackle poverty and provides regular, additional financial support to parents and carers to help with the costs of caring for a child.
Since its launch, the families of around 106,000 children have benefited from £520 a year and the payment will double to £20 per week from April.
By the end of this year - subject to data being made available by the DWP - the payment will extend to include all eligible children under the age of 16.
New figures released by the Scottish Government show that processing times for a new claim took 26 days in December 2021.
Which means if you make your claim today - online or by phoning Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 - you could start getting payments at the start of next month.
The statistics show that in total, around 14% of applications that were received on or after November 9, 2020 and decided by December 31, 2021 were processed within 10 working days.
Around 66% of all applications took 21 days or more to be processed.
However, the average processing times increased in recent months from 15 working days in September 2021, to 20 working days in October and November and 26 days in December.
Below is a quick guide on what you need to know, full details are available on the MyGov.scot website here.
Who should apply for the Scottish Child Payment?
You may be able to get Scottish Child Payment if all of the following apply:
- you live in Scotland
- you or your partner are getting certain benefits or payments
- you or your partner are the main person looking after a child who's under 6 years old
The main person looking after your child (if any) might want to complete the application form, or use their bank details for payment.
Benefits or payment you or your partner must get to qualify
You can apply whether you're in work or not, as long as you're getting one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Social Security Scotland guidance states: “If you're not getting any of these benefits or payments, but have applied for one, you can still apply for Scottish Child Payment.
You might get one of these benefits or payments, but have a sanction or deduction on your claim. This is when you get a cut in your benefits because you did not meet certain conditions or pay money you owe - you can still apply, as this will not affect Social Security Scotland’s decision on your application.
How to claim
You can apply for the Scottish Child Payment by visiting the MyGov website here or calling 0800 182 2222.
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