New Scottish Child Payment starts today

More than 77,000 Scottish Child Payment applications have been received since Social Security Scotland started taking applications on 9 November.

The new benefit will give qualifying parents and carers £40 every four weeks for each child under six.

The benefit starts today, meaning that Social Security Scotland is now able to do final eligibility checks and start issuing decisions. The first decisions and payments will arrive from later this month.

Payments for those who applied today or earlier will be backdated today. Parents and carers have not yet applied and have a child under six are encouraged to apply today to get the maximum amount of money they are entitled to.

People who apply after today will have their payment calculated from the day that they apply.

People can apply by visiting mygov.scot/benefits or calling 0800 182 2222.

Scottish Child Payment is a new benefit and it is in addition to the UK wide Child Benefit.

To get advice on what benefits may be available parents and carers can access free, confidential advice through Money Talk Team. Visit Parentclub.scot to find out more.