The cost of living crisis is putting additional pressure on household finances for millions of families across Scotland as the nation tries to cope with soaring energy bills, rising inflation and higher National Insurance Contributions.
Last week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £15 billion support package to help millions of households cope with the crisis by unveiling a series of one-off payments for the elderly, disabled, unemployed and those on a low-income.
However, families in Scotland on a low-income with children under the age of six, may not be aware that they could be eligible for an extra £20 every week.
The Scottish Child Payment doubled to £20 per week per child from April 1 and new figures released by the Scottish Government show that by the end of March 2022, an estimated 103,000 children are receiving the benefit.
The payment, which is unique to Scotland, is designed to tackle child poverty head on and is one of several devolved family benefits which provide financial support to low-income families with children aged under six.
The benefit will be extended at the end of the year to all eligible children under the age of 16 - and at that point will also increase from £20 to £25 per week.
Once extended, it is expected over 400,000 children could be eligible.
The new statistics also show that processing times for a new claim for the Scottish Child Payment increased from 26 working days in December 2021 to 31 in March 2022.
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, or even sooner.
The statistics also show that in total, around 14% of applications that were received on or after November 9, 2020 and decided by March 31, 2021 were processed within just 10 working days.
Some 21 per cent of applications were processed within 15 working days, but the majority (68%) took took 21 working days or longer.
Below is a quick guide on what you need to know about the payment, 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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