The families of more than 329,000 children under 16 are
benefitting from Scottish Child Payment, latest statistics
show.
The weekly payment of £26.70, which is unique to Scotland, is
helping families with the cost of living crisis, with over £677
million paid since the payment launched.
Scottish Child Payment is part of a wider package of payments –
including the three Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods –
which together have provided over £829 million in vital financial
support at key stages of a child's life. There is no cap on the
number of children in one family who can receive these payments.
In a survey, also released today, the majority of families said
that the payments helped their child to take part in social or
educational opportunities and also helped them buy milk and
healthy food for their children.
Survey responses also suggest that families are finding it
straightforward to apply with more than 90% of people noting the
application was clear and did not take too long to complete.
Social Justice Secretary said:
“As the First Minister has set out, eradicating child poverty is
the number one priority for the Scottish Government.
“Scottish Child Payment plays a key part in that mission.
Together with our Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments,
this package of financial support, which is worth almost £25,000
per child by the time their child turns 16, is helping to make
sure all children in Scotland get the best start in life.
“We have provided over £829 million to help people raise their
families, putting money into the pockets of people who need it
most.
“This crucial cash is available as soon expectant parents know
they are pregnant all the way through to their child starting
nursery, then going to primary and secondary school and helps
them cover costs of caring for their children.
“We know from our recent research that families say the
application process is clear and doesn't take too long to apply.
So I would urge families to apply for our package of five family
payments and get the money they are entitled to.”
Background
The statistics are available in full here:
Scottish Child Payment: high
level statistics to 31 March 2024
Best Start Grant and Best Start
Foods: high level statistics to 31 March 2024
Client Survey: Five Family
Payments August - November 2023 Summary report
Social Security Scotland delivers five family payments to help
support costs of raising a family for eligible people getting
Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits.
Scottish Child Payment: a
payment of more than £100 every 4 weeks for each eligible child
under the age of 16.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and
Baby Payment: a £754.65 payment for a first child and £377.35
for other children. People can apply from the end of the 24th
week of pregnancy until your baby is 6 months old.
Best Start Grant Early Learning
Payment: a £314.45 payment when a child is between the ages
of 2 and 3.5 years. People can still get the payment if your
child is not taking up a place at nursery.
Best Start Grant School Age
Payment: a £314.45 payment when a child is first old enough
to start school. People don't need to take up a place at school
to get the payment.
Best Start Foods: money
every 4 weeks on a pre-paid card from pregnancy until a child is
3 years old.
Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments are paid
automatically to parents and carers who already receive Scottish
Child Payment when their children become eligible.
Families who already get Scottish Child Payment for a child under
the age of six can add older children to their existing award.
There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can
receive Scottish Child Payment.
Families and carers can apply at mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment or
by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222
