First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced that the Scottish Child Payment will be doubled to £20 per week per child from April 2022.
There are more than 106,000 children aged under six currently living in households that receive payments across Scotland. The payment is designed to tackle child poverty, providing regular additional financial support for eligible families.
The benefit will be fully rolled out to children under the age of 16 by the end of 2022, subject to Social Security Scotland receiving data on qualifying benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which means more than 400,000 children could be eligible for the payment from that point.
From 2023/24 it will represent an annual investment from the Scottish Government in tackling child poverty of around £360 million a year.
The newly doubled Scottish Child Payment, together with the three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, could give families up to £8,400 by the time their first child turns six.
Scottish Child Payment is paid in addition to Child Benefit, which is delivered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to by checking out the eligibility for the Scottish Child Payment below.
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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