The SNP has pledged to put "dignity, fairness and respect" at the heart of Scotland's social security system if it retains power at May's election.
The Nationalists have promised to make a double payment of the Carers Allowance Supplement this year, worth £460, in recognition of the extra burden the pandemic has placed on carers.
Nicola Sturgeon's party will also introduce an improved Carers Assistance payment to replace carers allowance., which will pay a further £10 per week to those who are caring for more than one disabled person.
And the party will replace the current UK winter fuel payment with a Winter Heating Payment for older people - maintaining its current rates and not means-testing it.
The SNP benefits pledge comes on the fourth anniversary of when the UK Government's controversial welfare reforms took effect.
The Tories introduced the so-called "rape clause" that only allows women to claim benefit for a third child if they prove they were born without consent.
It was unveiled by then chancellor George Osborne in 2015 and took effect in 2017 despite opposition from Labour and the SNP.
The Scottish Government was subsequently handed powers by the UK Government to set-up a limited social security system which could top-up certain benefits if it so wished.
Writing in today's Record, SNP social security spokeswoman Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Tories remained "wedded to policies that are pushing people into poverty".
Sturgeon said: “Since the Social Security Act was passed in 2018, the SNP Government has built a brand new social security system from scratch - one that has the principles of dignity, fairness and respect at its heart. We’re using these new powers to make a real difference to families across Scotland.
“This is an investment in our people, and in Scotland’s future - and stands in stark contrast to the Tories’ record in government, which has presided over a decade of cuts in support of the very people who need it most, and the frankly disgusting treatment of people with disabilities - as well as policies like the Bedroom Tax and the abhorrent rape clause.
“We’ve listened carefully to those who receive support, as well as the people and the organisations supporting them - and we will build on what we have already delivered with even more ambitious plans."
A UK Government spokesperson said: "Universal Credit has provided a vital safety net for six million people during the coronavirus pandemic and is supporting people back into work through our comprehensive Plan for Jobs.
"In 2020, 85% of all households had two or fewer children, which is reflected in our policy. There are also careful exemptions and safeguards in place to protect people in the most vulnerable circumstances.
“Scotland has significant welfare powers and can top-up existing benefits, pay discretionary payments and create entirely new benefits in areas of devolved responsibility.”
