For immediate release:

SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT BENEFITTING SOUTH LANARKSHIRE FAMILIES

Newly released figures estimate that around 16,000 children aged under 16 in South Lanarkshire are receiving the Scottish Government’s “game-changing” Scottish Child Payment.

Across Scotland, more than 300,000 children are benefitting from the payment.

The Scottish Government introduced the Scottish Child Payment in 2020 as part of Scotland’s new social security system which established 13 benefits – seven of which are entirely new forms of financial support available only in Scotland.

The payment provides families with £25 a week per eligible child. Unlike the UK Government’s two child limit for Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, there is no limit on how many children can receive the Scottish Child Payment.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has praised the Scottish Child Payment and has urged people to check their eligibility.

Commenting, Ms Haughey said:

“The game-changing Scottish Child Payment is designed to tackle child poverty head-on and lift families out of poverty.

“Families across South Lanarkshire are able to benefit from five family payments delivered by the Scottish Government which could be worth more than £10,000 by the time an eligible child turns six and over £20,000 by the time an eligible child turns 16.

“It is great to see so many local families take advantage of the Scottish Child Payment already, but I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to find out more and apply.”

Households could be eligible for the Scottish Child Payment if applicants or their partner are getting certain benefits or payments including Universal Credit or Working and Child Tax credits.

To apply or check eligibility, visit: https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment.

ENDS