For immediate release:

SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT EXTENDED

From November 14, the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment has been extended to help more South Lanarkshire families.

Eligibility for the payment, which is only available in Scotland, now includes families with children under the age of 16 – previously the age limit had been for children under the age of 6.

The Scottish Child Payment has also increased from £20 to £25 per week per eligible child, a 150 percent increase to the value of the weekly payment in only eight months.

Around 104,000 children across Scotland already in receipt of the payment, including 8,130 in South Lanarkshire.

Following today’s extension, it is forecast that a further 300,000 children across the country will be eligible.

Those who may be eligible include parents, guardians or carers in receipt of certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Child/Working Tax Credit.

Local MSP Clare Haughey is encouraging Rutherglen and Cambuslang families to apply for the support.

Commenting, Ms Haughey said:

“This is an important announcement for many families across Rutherglen and Cambuslang as the Scottish Government makes significant extra financial support available to tackle child poverty.

“We have already heard from anti-poverty charities how the Scottish Child Payment has been ‘game-changing’ for families with children under-6, and now it will help even more eligible families with it being extended to children under-16.

“At a time when the cost of living crisis is causing significant hardship for many families, this increased annual payment of £,1300 per eligible child is even more vital.

“I would encourage local families to check their eligibility for the Scottish Child Payment and apply if possible.”

Families and carers can find out more and apply at mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.

ENDS