Disability benefit support

Perth and Kinross has been selected as a pilot area for a new benefit for families with disabled children.

The new Child Disability Payment is the first application-based disability benefit to be introduced by the Scottish Government and will be administered by Social Security Scotland.

The benefit is available now and replaces the UK government’s Disability Living Allowance for children.

The pilot will be followed by a nationwide roll-out in the autumn and is geared towards families applying for the support for the first time.

Those already in receipt of Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to apply as their cases will be transferred in the future.

Jane Adams is CEO of Perth and Kinross Citizens’Advice Bureau.

She said:“The devolution of some social security payments from Westminster to Holyrood is a massive opportunity to get the system right.

“This new Child Disability Payment is a good example of that, and we are pleased that the region has been chosen as a pilot area, as it means that eligible families here will get the first chance to apply for this support.

“The Citizens’Advice service helps people in Perth and Kinross with social security concerns every day, with disability benefits being one of the biggest issues people seek advice about.

“Our advisers will give you the best free, confidential and impartial advice, as ever. So people should feel confident in knowing they’ll always be able to turn to us for help if they need it with the new payment.”

Scottish Government social justice secretary, Shona Robison, said: “Families have been involved throughout the development of Child Disability Payment and it is hugely rewarding to see three years of work now delivering for people.

“Every client can expect to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect throughout the process.”

Applications can be made through the website mygov.scot or by phoning 0800 182 2222.