Scottish Child Payment – increased financial help available for eligible 6 to 15 year-olds from 14 November

Changes to Scottish Child Payment take effect from 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 to ensure 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 will be 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 to15, 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.

Take action 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 for it on 14 November or as soon as possible after this date.

Apply at:

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.

More information

14 Nov 2022