Applications open for new Scottish Child Payment

The Scottish Government is launching a new benefit scheme for families.

Scottish Child Payment starts on February 15

2021 and will give families on certain benefits and tax credits an extra £40 every four weeks for each child under six.

Social Security Scotland will deliver the benefit on behalf of the Scottish Government. It is expecting huge demand which is why they are asking you to apply now.

By taking applications early, they can make sure they have all the information they need to check eligibility. This will help them 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 February 15. 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 or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

If you apply before Monday February 15, your payment will be calculated from Monday February 15.

Make sure you get all the money you are due by applying in advance.

If you apply after Monday February 15, your payment will be calculated from the date you apply.

Social Security Scotland delivers a number of benefits for families. This includes Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Early Learning Payment, School Age Payment and Best Start Foods. You apply for Scottish Child Payment and all of these using a single straightforward form.

Mhoraig Green, Strategic Lead for Social Justice, Citizen’s Advice Scotland, said: ‘We are really looking forward to the new Scottish Child Payment. We know 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.’

Stacey Bush, 36, of Girvan, South Ayrshire, said: ‘I have three children aged three, five and 17.

‘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. This new payment would mean I wouldn’t need to do that. I could put it towards shopping.

‘We do struggle so it would help to take the stress away – clothes, shoes, and I’d probably like to spend it on a day out. We don’t ever have the money to do fun things with the children, so I’d like to spend it on something like that.’

For more information or to apply for Scottish Child Payment, visit mygov.scot/ benefits or call 0800 182 2222.