Parents can apply for child disability payment

Applications have opened for a new disabled childrens’benefit which could help Renfrewshire families.

The Child Disability Payment is the irst of three complex disability benefits to be introduced by the Scottish Government.

It replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children north of the border.

Families already receiving DLA for children do not need to apply, with approximately 52,000 current cases set to automatically transfer in phases from the DWP to Social Security Scotland, by Spring 2023.

But new applications are now invited - and in a UK first - applicants can apply online, as well as by phone, post or in person.

Child Disability Payment offers support for families facing extra costs associated with having a disabled child, with a national rollout to all of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas following successful pilots in Dundee, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles.

Minister for Social Security, Ben Macpherson, said:“I’m really pleased that Child Disability Payment is now available to eligible families all over Scotland.

“This is a significant milestone in the introduction of our new social security system.

Families who find themselves in need of support will be able to access this help in a way that suits them best.”

He added:“Those who currently receive Disability Living Allowance for children from the DWP will also be transferred to Social Security Scotland.

“They will be told when this is happening and will find their payments transferred safely and securely within the next 18 months. Payments will be made at the same rate and there will be no break in entitlement.

“In the months and years ahead thousands of families will benefit from our simplified and much less stressful system, which will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.”

To find out more about disabled children’s benefit and to apply, visit mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.