Over 9000 applications for the new Scottish Child Payment have been made by South Lanarkshire parents in the last year.
Social Security Scotland has received 9640 applications from the region for the new Scottish Child Payment during 2021/2022.
This has led to over £3.5m in additional payments being made to local families.
The Scottish Child Payment helps towards the cost of supporting families. It is a weekly payment of £20 that parents can get for each child who is under six years of age, and the payment is made every four weeks.
The payment is one of the five family payments parents may be able to get from Social Security Scotland, along with the Best Start Grant, the Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Best Start Foods.
It can be used for a range of things such as childcare, travel costs, nappies and other essentials and even family days out.
The payment does not affect any other UK or Scottish Child Payment for a child. This means that if two people apply for the same child, Social Security Scotland has a process of deciding who gets the payment.
People may be eligible for the Scottish Child Payment if all of the following apply: you live in Scotland, you or your partner are getting certain benefits or payments and you or your partner are the main person looking after a child who is under six years old.
The benefits or payments you must receive to be eligible for the payment includes: Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
**Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
