Scottish Child Payment
Social Security Scotland launched Scottish Child Payment in February 2021. As a benefit unique to Scotland, Scottish Child Payment provides a rate to qualifying low-income parents and carers every month to assist with the cost of looking after a child.
Scottish Child Payment has recently been extended to all eligible under-16s from the 14th of November 2022. The rate of payment has also been raised from £20 per week to £25 per week.
This guide will explore an overview of everything you need to know about Scottish Child Payment such as the main qualifying criteria, how you can apply and what the payment can be spent on.
What is Scottish Child Payment?
Scottish Child Payment is a relatively new benefit that was introduced by Social Security Scotland on the 15th of February 2021 for families on a low income with a child under the age of six. However, this has recently been extended to include all eligible children under the age of 16.
Scottish Child Payment is paid every four weeks into the main parent or carer’s bank account who is responsible for the child.
Clients are encouraged to apply on the 14th of November as the claim can only be backdated to the date that it was made.
What is the Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments?
The Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments combines both the Covid Hardship Payments and the Family Pandemic Payments into one payment.
The payment in 2022 has been paid three times throughout the year and is available for each child who receives a free school meal due to low income.
These payments are paid automatically by the local council, so you do not need to apply for it.
The final Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payment of the year which is due to be paid in December is going up to £260.
Who is Eligible for Scottish Child Payment?
Scottish Child Payment is designed specifically for low-income families who meet the following criteria:
- You live in Scotland
- You or your partner are the main person looking after a child who is under sixteen years old
To be eligible to receive Scottish Child Payment, you and your partner will also have to receive certain benefits. These include:
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
If you have already applied for one of the above benefits, then you can still apply for Scottish Child Payment.
You will have to be able to prove that you are the main person looking after a child. Your child’s name will be noted on either you or your partner’s benefit claim.
If you are a kinship carer you will be required to produce a piece of documentation to prove that you are the main carer of a child. Examples of relevant documentation you could present include:
- A letter from your local council
- A copy of a legal order
If your child turned six before the 14th of November, you will be required to reapply for Scottish Child Payment.
What Does the Payment Cover?
The Scottish Child Payment can be spent on anything that incurs a cost while raising a child. For example, you may decide to put the payment towards the cost of:
- Childcare
- Clothes
- Nappies
- Family days out
How do I Apply for Scottish Child Payment?
There is a range of different ways that you can apply for Scottish Child Payment depending on your personal preference.
However, if you have a child under the age of 6 who receives Scottish Child Payment you can add older children to your existing claim through the online Scottish Child Payment form. You will not be required to complete a new application form.
Existing clients will have received a text message or email on the morning of the 14th of November to alert them that applications are now open.
Eligibility questions are asked at the beginning of the application.
Online
If you are making a new application and choose to apply online, you can expect the application process to take an estimated 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
It is worth noting that once you start the application you must finish it in the same sitting as it cannot be saved and returned.
However, you will not be able to apply online if you do not have any of the following:
- A permanent address
- You are applying on behalf of someone who cannot manage their affairs
- You do not have a bank account
Post
You can apply for Scottish Child Payment via post by filling out an application form. If you require Social Security Scotland to send you out a pre-paid envelope you can request this by calling free on: 0800 182 2222.
Phone
Social Security Scotland is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to if you would prefer to call them on: 0800 182 2222.
When Can I Expect to Hear a Decision About my Application?
Once you have submitted your application for Scottish Child Benefit you will hear from Social Security Scotland to confirm that they have received your application.
While your application is being processed you can enquire about an update on its progress before a decision is confirmed.
If you would prefer you can ask someone else such as a family member or friend to enquire on your behalf. Social Security Scotland refers to your chosen enquirer a ‘supporter’.
While a ‘supporter’ will be able to ask for general information on the progress of your application, Social Security Scotland will not be able to provide any specific confidential information.
What if my Circumstances Change?
If there is a change in your circumstances, then you should inform Social Security Scotland promptly. A change in circumstances includes: -
- You stop living in Scotland
- Your benefit/s stop
- A name changes
- Your bank details change
- Your contact details change
- You move house
- If you have started to look after another child
It is important to inform Social Security Scotland so that you receive the right benefits and do not receive a benefit that you are no longer entitled to.
If my Application is Successful When Will I Receive My First Scottish Child Payment?
If your application is successful and you are to be awarded Scottish Child Payment, you will receive a letter from Social Security Scotland to let you know.
While the Scottish Child Payment will be paid every four weeks, your first payment may be different from the payments proceeding it. Social Security Scotland will inform you of when you can expect your first payment.
The payment of £25 a week will be paid into your bank account every four weeks. However, if you do experience any problems with payments, you should contact Social Security Scotland and they will work to resolve any potential problems swiftly.
What will Happen to my Payment when my Child turns Sixteen?
Before your child’s sixteenth birthday Social Security Scotland will send you a letter informing you that your Scottish Child Payment will stop after your child’s sixteenth birthday.
Social Security Scotland will still pay you Scottish Child Payment on the week that your child turns sixteen. However, after this the payment will stop and you will receive another letter from Social Security Scotland to confirm this.
For further information you can visit mygov.scot website.
