Separated parents looking after children should get increased support if they stop receiving child maintenance support during the coronavirus crisis, a Scottish MP has urged.
SNP MP Marion Fellows has called on the UK government to provide an additional standard payment for parents-with-care not receiving child maintenance support (CMS) because of the impact of the virus.
The Motherwell and Wishaw MP issued the plea after being contacted by a number of parents desperate for help due to non-resident parents paying reduced CMS payments or no payment at all.
She called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to top up payments with a minimum maintenance amount.
Fellows said: "It is vital that the UK government introduce a standard rate CMS payment to ensure our children are not forgotten amidst this pandemic.
"Many non-resident parents’ incomes have been hit by the outbreak of COVID-19 and are trying their best to support their children.
"Some, however, are using as an excuse it to stop paying all together.
"The UK Government must step in to prevent either of these circumstances impacting on children."
Single parents experiencing financial hardship can get help from Universal Credit and the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Fellows said: "I would urge people to find out what they are eligible for through the Scottish and UK government websites and apply immediately."
