More than 28,000 requests for Scottish child payment in two days

More than 28,000 requests for the Scottish child payment were received in the first two days of applications for the new benefit being open, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Almost 28,000 applications were put in for the Scottish Child Payment in the first two days of the scheme being launched

Parents and carers who receive other welfare support such as Universal Credit or unemployment benefits can now apply for the £10 per week payment for each child under the age of six.

The payment is part of the Scottish Government's efforts to reduce child poverty, and it should be rolled out for all qualifying children aged under 16 by 2022.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament during First Minister's Questions today, Ms Sturgeon said: "The Scottish child payment opened for applications on Monday.

"Initial management information indicates that by the end of Tuesday, over 28,000 applications have been received."

If all applicants are eligible, they would account for more than 14 per cent of the estimated 194,000 young children who qualify.

Ms Sturgeon added: "This payment is intended to tackle child poverty and with the economic impact of the pandemic meaning more households are reliant on benefits, we need to make sure that reaches all eligible families.

"The plans we have to promote the Scottish child payment have been set out publicly and include carrying out an extensive advertising campaign, but also making information available through a number of routes including midwives and health visitor packs, the baby box and nursery and school enrolment packs.”

The benefit was due to be operational by the end of this year but was delayed because of coronavirus, with the payments now starting from February.