Child Disability Payment pays out more that £17 million since launch

More than £17.1 million has been paid to support children and young people since Child Disability Payment launched.

These payments are designed to mitigate some of the additional costs of caring for a disabled or terminally ill child or young person.

It is estimated that as of 30 June 2022, 13,200 children and young people are in receipt of Child Disability Payment.

£11.3 million was issued to new applicants and a further £5.8 million was issued to children and young people who have had their payment transferred to Child Disability Payment.

The total number of people receiving payments includes 7,230 who had their Disability Living Allowance for children transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security Scotland.

Figures for 26 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 include an initial pilot period where Child Disability Payment was only available in Dundee City, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles local authority areas. Child Disability Payment became available to people making new applications across Scotland in November 2021. Payments for children and young people whose awards transferred from DWP began in February this year.

Almost three quarters (74%) of applications were made online, with 16% by phone.

Child Disability Payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children.

Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children from the DWP do not need to make a new application for Child Disability Payment as Social Security Scotland will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred.

Background

• Most new applications have been received from Glasgow City (14%), followed by North Lanarkshire (7%) and Fife (7%)

• People receiving Child Disability Payment can get payments to help with care and mobility. Over half (51%) of authorised applications were found to be entitled to both components, with 48% awarded care only and 1% mobility only

• Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children from DWP do not need to make a new application as Social Security Scotland will contact them ahead of their award being automatically transferred to the new system. This is happening in a phased approach and we aim to have the transfer process completed for everyone in receipt of Disability Living Allowance for children by spring 2023

• We are increasing the number of people being transferred each month. Where we experience spikes in demand as we continue to roll out Adult Disability Payment and extend Scottish Child Payment the number of cases transferred may fluctuate

• People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.