Changes to Scottish Child Payment from 14 November 2022
Take action to ensure you receive the support you are entitled to
Changes to Scottish Child Payment came into effect on Monday 14 November 2022. This means that increased financial support will be available for more families.
If you are eligible, and have responsibility for one or more children aged 6 to 15, you need to take action now to make sure you receive the support you are entitled to.
The changes
The Scottish Child Payment is already being paid by Social Security Scotland for eligible children under the age of 6 in Scotland. From 14 November the payment is available for eligible children under the age of 16 and will be increased in value to £25 a week for each child.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if you live in Scotland and you:
- receive a low-income benefit such as Universal Credit, Tax Credits, or Pension Credit
- have responsibility for a child or children under the age of 16
Existing and new claimants
Families already receiving Scottish Child Payment, and who have older children aged 6 to 15, will be able to add these older children to their existing award. Newly eligible families with children aged 6 to 15 will be able to apply. There is no limit to the number of children you can apply for, and receiving Scottish Child Payment will not affect your tax or other benefits.
What you need to do now
You will need to take action to apply for the Scottish Child Payment even if you currently receive Bridging Payments.
If you are eligible for the Scottish Child Payment, you should apply now.
Find out more and apply at:
- The Scottish Government Child Payment website or
- call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222
Bridging Payments
Bridging Payments are coming to an end, with the final payment of £260 due this December. No further Bridging Payments will be made once these awards have been made. If you are eligible for a Bridging Payment in December, you will still receive it whether or not you have applied for Scottish Child Payment.
Longer waits
Given the large number of children who will become eligible for the Scottish Child Payment it means that people applying for the first time might need to wait longer than usual to get their award. However, you should not delay making your application. Delaying your application may result in you losing out on money you would otherwise be entitled to. Successful applications will only be awarded from the date they are received.