New Scottish child benefit open for applications next week

A new child payment for low-income families with children under the age of six opens for applications next week, although the benefit will not be paid out until next February.
Applications are due to open for the new Scottish child payment.Applications are due to open for the new Scottish child payment.
Applications are due to open for the new Scottish child payment.

Social Security Secretary Shirley Anne Somerville said the Scottish Child Payment will give eligible families an extra £10 per child per week, and claimed it was being introduced two years ahead of the original date pledged by the Scottish Government.

However, the monthly benefit for younger children had been due to be paid before Christmas, with a full roll-out to take in children up to the age of 16 not due to take place until 2022. The Covid pandemic derailed the December date and despite pressure from poverty campaigners, while applications open on November 9 first payments won't happen until February 15 next year.

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Scotland is the only part of the UK where this additional payment for families with young children will be available and is it predicted to support up to 194,000 children this financial year.

Ms Somerville said: “The Scottish Child Payment is the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK. Almost 60 per cent of all children in poverty live in a family where a child is under six, so I am proud we are able to introduce it early for families with young children – almost two years ahead of the original commitment for this new benefit to be introduced.

“We are expecting a significant demand for this new payment, so are opening applications early from Monday 9 November and will make the first payments in around 15 weeks.

“A great deal of effort has gone into creating this payment, including overcoming the impact of coronavirus on plans and work schedules to ensure we get money to the families who need it.”

Paul Carberry, Action for Children director for Scotland, welcomed the new payment and said it could “ease the struggle some families face in providing the basics and necessities of life”.

He said: “It will offer vital financial support for children, young people, and their families. It can give back choice and dignity. We urge all eligible families to apply for this.”

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