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Scottish Child Payment open for applications

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Our Interim Policy and External Affairs Manager, Rona Johnson looks at the new Scottish Child Payment benefit, which was developed to help some families meet the costs of raising a family.

The Scotland Act 2016 devolved several social security powers to the Scottish Government. One new benefit, Scottish Child Payment, was developed to help some families meet the costs of raising a family.

It is a weekly payment of £10 that you can get for every child you look after who is under six years of age.

You will get the payment every four weeks if your application is successful. You can decide what to spend the money on to support your family.

Scottish Child Payment does not affect any other UK or Scottish Government benefits that you, or any person in your household, currently get.

Anyone applying for Scottish Child Payment will not get a decision until after 15 February 2021. The first payments will reach families after 22 February 2021.

Social Security Scotland are expecting a high number of applications, so payments might take longer.

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Who is eligible?

You may be able to get Scottish Child Payment if all the following apply:

  • you live in Scotland
  • you or your partner are getting certain benefits or payments
  • you or your partner are the main person looking after a child who is under six years old

Also, you can apply whether you are in work or not, as long as you’re getting one or more of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

 

How to apply

Before applying, you’ll need:

  • the dates of birth of any children you have
  • your partner’s details, if you have a partner
  • your bank details, if you have an account

Most people apply online at Social Security Scotland’s website. The application form can be found here. There are alternative ways to apply via post and telephone.

To find out more about Scottish Child Payment, and whether you are entitled to other benefits, please click here.