Scottish Parents May Get More than £209 Per Month for Children Under-16

Scottish parents of children under the age of 16 are now set to receive £106.80 every month through the Scottish Child Payment.

The weekly payment of £26.70, which is only available in Scotland, can assist households with the cost of living crisis; over £677 million has been granted since the benefit launched back in 2021.

Scottish Parents Could Receive Up to £209 Monthly Per Child with a New Payment Package

Scottish parents could be due up to £209 per month for each child under the age of 16 if they also claim Child Benefit from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Child Benefit is a different UK-wide payment that is worth £25.60 for the eldest or only child and is also granted every four weeks, reaching up to £102.40.

Families who claim both benefits for children under 16 could expect £209.20 every month during the current financial year; however, it’s important to note that Child Benefit and Scottish Child Payment are not paid the same day.

Scottish Child Payment is part of a larger package of payments, which includes the three Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods, which together have provided more than £829 million in vital financial assistance at key stages of a child’s life. No boundary is set when it comes to the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.

In a recent survey, the majority of families stated that the payments assisted their children to take part in social or educational opportunities and also helped them buy groceries for their children.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville stated: “As the First Minister has set out, eradicating child poverty is the number one priority for the Scottish Government.

“Scottish Child Payment plays a key part in that mission. Together with our Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments, this package of financial support, which is worth almost £25,000 per child by the time their child turns 16, is helping to make sure all children in Scotland get the best start in life.

“We have provided over £829 million to help people raise their families, putting money into the pockets of people who need it most.

“This crucial cash is available as soon as expectant parents know they are pregnant all the way through to their child starting nursery, then going to primary and secondary school and helps them cover costs of caring for their children.

“We know from our recent research that families say the application process is clear and doesn’t take too long to apply. So I would urge families to apply for our package of five family payments and get the money they are entitled to.”

Below is all you need to know regarding the Scottish Child Payment, you can find additional information and apply directly on MyGov.Scot.

What is the Scottish Child Payment?

The Scottish Child Payment helps you cover the costs of supporting your family. It is a weekly payment of £26.70 for each kid you look for under the age of 16. You will receive £26.70 each week per child. The cash is distributed every four weeks.

The Scottish Child Payment is part of a broader package of five household payments, which include:

Best Start Grant.
Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment.
Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment.
Best Start Grant School Age Payment.
Best Start Foods.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only one person can receive Scottish Child Payment for a child, and it has no bearing on any other UK or Scottish Government benefits that you or anyone in your household now receives.

You may be eligible for Scottish Child Payment if all the following apply:

you live in Scotland.
You or your partner are getting certain benefits or payments.
You or your partner are the main person looking after a child who's under six years old.