From Monday 9th November Social Security Scotland are open for applications for the new Scottish Child Payment. This new benefit will not be payable until the end of February and the date of entitlement is not until 15th February but by opening the application process 3 months early it is hoped that applications will be processed in advance of the eligibility date and for those who are eligible, to receive the payment timeously without unnecessary delay.

This payment is a fixed £10 per week for every eligible child under the age of 6 and will be paid 4 weekly. The age group for entitlement will be extended to older children in stages but under the present criteria it is anticipated in East Ayrshire that approximately 4,000 children will be entitled to the new payment. This could make a significant difference in our attempts to challenge child poverty.

The payment is payable to every eligible child in the household so families with 2 children under the age of 6 will receive £20 per week and so on.

And as this is a new Scottish benefit, it can not be taken into account by the DWP as an income for any other means tested benefit.

https://vimeo.com/476356089/9cbc8c529c