Don’t miss out on getting the help you need New cash boost set to aid families across Scotland
Parents with children under the age of six could be eligible for a new benefit to help them make ends meet.
The Scottish Child Payment will give families on certain benefits and tax credits an extra £40 every 4 weeks for each child under six. The benefit from the Scottish Government starts on 15 February 2021.
Demand for the benefit is expected to be huge so to avoid delays and make sure you get the financial support you need quickly, parents should apply as soon as possible.
Family support groups and campaigners have welcomed the new cash boost for families.
Mhoraig Green, Strategic Lead for Social Justice, Citizen’s Advice Scotland, said: “We know that lots of families in Scotland are facing tough times at the moment and are struggling to make ends meet - and this new money will help to make their lives easier.
“What’s really important is that everyone who is entitled to the payment makes a claim when applications open in November.
“Citizens Advice Bureau are working in communities across Scotland to help people to access the social security they are entitled to. So, if you are unclear about whether you are entitled or you need help applying then please get in touch and our Money Talk teams will be able to help you.”
Marissa, Single Parent Participation Officer, One Parent Families Scotland, said: “Having an extra £40 per child in their pockets each month will make a big difference for a lot of single parent families struggling to make ends meet.
“Single parents are more likely to be lower paid in jobs with less hours and more likely to be living in poverty.
“This payment will be a real life line for parents and their children.”
Social Security Scotland will deliver this benefit on behalf of the Scottish Government.
They request that applications be made now so they have enough time to make sure they have all the information and check eligibility.
This will help them to make a decision on your application and, if eligible, make payments as quickly as possible once the benefit starts.
To get the payment your child will need to be under six years old on Monday 15 February.
You’ll also need to be getting one of these - Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income
I could put it towards shopping, we do struggle so it would help to take the stress away
related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Stacey Bush, 36, Girvan, South Ayrshire has three children aged three, five and 17, and says the new benefit will help her family: “When my husband was furloughed and out of work we didn’t have a lot of money - I relied a lot on my nan and my mum.
“I could put it towards shopping to get more food in. We do struggle so it would help to take the stress away.”