Scottish Child Payment timings announced

Scottish Child Payment will open for applications from November with payments to start from the end of February.

Families on certain tax credits or benefits with a child under six will be able to apply for £10 per child, per week to assist with living costs.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell announced the launch timings for Scottish Child Payment today as part of a statement to Parliament on the Child Poverty Second Year Progress Report.

Ms Campbell said:

“These past months have been challenging for everyone but we know that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a greater impact on the poorest in our society – many of whom will have struggled to make ends meet.

“That is why we’ve worked at pace and focused resources on getting the new Scottish Child Payment ready for applications. We know this vital payment will play a key role in tackling the blight of child poverty. To ensure that families receive the full support they are entitled to, we will link the Scottish Child Payment with the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods through the application process. With all three schemes combined, low income families will receive over £5,200 of support for their first child by the time they turn six.”

To help manage the expected high demand for Scottish Child Payment, families will be invited to apply in advance of the benefit being introduced. Parents or carers will be able to apply by post, phone and online from November. Applications will be assessed for eligibility before the payment is officially open and the first payments will be made from the end of February onwards.