Parents and carers across Scotland with children up to the age of 16 can apply for Scottish Child Payment from today. The Scottish Government recently announced the widening of eligibility and an increase to the weekly payment rate from £20 to £25 from Monday, November 14.
Families already receiving the payment will have the increase applied automatically and for those making a new claim, payments will be backdated to the claim date so that nobody is missing out on extra financial support this winter.
Recent statistics released by Social Security Scotland indicated that the average processing times for new claims increased from 31 working days in March 2022 to 36 in June 2022. This means if you make a new application on November 14, when the eligibility rules change, you could receive your first payment at the start of the new year - and remember, this includes any backdated amount so you won't be missing out.
It is estimated that over 400,000 under-16s will be eligible for the regular financial support following the rule change with the Scottish Fiscal Commission anticipating take-up of the payment for over 300,000 more children across the country.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today encouraged all eligible families to apply on a visit to Golfhill Primary and Whitehill Secondary schools at their shared campus in Dennistoun, Glasgow.
Ms Sturgeon said: “This is an important day for many families across Scotland as we make significant extra financial support available to tackle child poverty. The Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and is the most ambitious child poverty reduction measure in the UK.
“At a time when the cost of living crisis is causing significant hardship for many families, this increased payment of £1300 per eligible child is even more vital, and the age extension means that it is now available to many more children.
“We want to make sure that everyone gets the help available to them. Parents or carers who are on universal credit or other benefits and who have children under 16 should check through Social Security Scotland if they are eligible.”
John Dickie, Director of Child Poverty Action Group in Scotland, said: "The roll-out of the Scottish Child Payment to over fives and the increase in its value to £25 a week marks a hugely welcome day for struggling families across Scotland and a real step on the road toward ending child poverty.
“This is a significant and uniquely Scottish boost to family incomes at a time when it is needed more than ever. It’s now vital that we all spread the word as widely as possible and ensure that all eligible families apply and every child that is entitled benefits.”
What is the Scottish Child Payment?
Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family. It is a weekly payment of £25 that you can get for every child you look after who's under 16 years of age.
You will get £25 per week, per child. The money is paid every four weeks.
Scottish Child Payment is part of a wider package of five family payments including:
- Best Start Grant
- Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment
- Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment
- Best Start Grant School Age Payment
- Best Start Foods
Who can apply?
Only one person can get Scottish Child Payment for a child and it does not affect any other UK or Scottish Government benefits that you, or any person in your household, currently get.
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 six years old
Benefits or payment you or your partner must get
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)
How to apply
For full details on claiming the benefit or to make a new claim, you can do it online here.
You can also apply over the phone by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 222.
Find out more about the Scottish Child Payment on mygov.scot here.
To keep up to date with the latest Scottish benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook page here, or subscribe to our newsletter which goes out four times each week - sign up here.
READ NEXT
New website gives Scottish households instant access to extra financial support
- New Winter Fuel Payment video aims to help more people understand who qualifies for up to £600
Full list of cost of living and heating payments due before Christmas
People on certain benefits could get fibre broadband for £12.50 each month
Older people urged to claim Pension Credit before next month to qualify for extra £324 payment
