44,000 children in Scotland receive Child Disability Payment

Nearly 44,000 children in Scotland were receiving Child Disability Payment as of 30 September 2022.

Almost 9,800 of these children were awarded the benefit after a direct application to Social Security Scotland while around 34,000 children were transferred to the benefit from Disability Living Allowance for children, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Latest official statistics show £59.9 million has been paid to families and carers to help cover the extra costs of caring for a child who is disabled, has a long-term health condition or a terminal illness.

Over £34 million of this was paid to the families and carers of children who had their awards transferred to Social Security Scotland, while over £25 million went to those who applied directly to Social Security Scotland.

Child Disability Payment replaced Disability Living Allowance for Children from the Department of Work and Pensions for people in Scotland.

Those who receive DLA for children do not need to apply for the new benefit as they are being automatically transferred over, with most awards expected to be moved over by spring 2023.

People can apply for Child Disability Payment online, over the phone, by post or in-person.

Since the launch of Child Disability Payment, the most popular way for people to apply has been online, with around 75% of all applications submitted this way.

Phone is the second most common way to apply, with 16% of people choosing this method.

To find out more or apply, visit mygov.scot/child-disability-payment or call 0800 182 2222