£1 billion paid to help tackle child poverty
New figures released today, show that as of 31 December 2024, the
families of 326,080 children under 16 years of age were receiving
vital support from Scottish Child
Payment.
Over £1 billion has now been paid to parents and carers since the
payment was introduced in February 2021.
Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and provides
financial support for families, helping with the costs of caring
for a child. It is a weekly payment, currently worth £26.70, for
every eligible child that a parent or carer looks after who's
under 16 years of age.
While visiting Craigour Park Primary school in Edinburgh, to talk
to parents who receive Scottish Child Payment, Social
Justice Secretary
said:
“Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government's top
priority and a national mission.
“Our investment in Scottish Child Payment has seen over £1
billion worth of these payments issued by 31 December 2024; that
is money directly in the pockets of those families who need it
most.
“Modelling published in February 2024 also estimates that the
Scottish Child Payment could keep 60,000 children out of relative
poverty this year.
“Scottish Child Payment is actively improving the lives of
hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their
families to access essentials and experiences they might
otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.
“In the coming year it is forecast we'll invest a further £471
million, ensuring that this support continues to reach even more
families and children who need it."
Head Teacher of Craigour Park Primary, Sally Ketchin,
said:
“We welcome payments like Scottish Child Payment and Best Start
Grants. We can see the real difference this money makes to
families in our community.”
Case study
Ashley Forbes lives in Glenrothes with her three
children. She said:
“The two-child cap came in for Tax Credits when I was pregnant
with my third child. That meant I would be losing £60 a week when
the baby was born so, obviously, that was quite a scary moment.
It was huge.
“I wasn't working and my partner at the time was only working
part-time so money wasn't great. It felt like £60 was so much to
lose, you know, when you have a baby with milk and all that stuff
to buy.
“And then when Scottish Child Payment came in, it was a huge
relief. I have three kids and they grow so fast. It's new shoes,
new coats and new clothes all the time.
“My eldest two do swimming as well which is a really important
skill that you need in life. We wouldn't be able to do this stuff
without Scottish Child Payment.
“I think Scottish Child Payment is great. We couldn't do without
it.”
Notes to editors
In a survey published this week, 90% of respondents rated their
overall experience of Social Security Scotland as either ‘good'
or ‘very good.
Scottish Child Payment is one of the five family payments parents
and carers may be eligible for along with Best Start Grant and Best Start
Foods.
All of the following need to apply:
- the person lives in Scotland
- the person or their partner are getting certain benefits or
payments
- the person or their partner are the main person looking after
a child who's under 16 years old
A parent or carer can apply whether they are in work or not, if
they or their partner are getting one or more of the following
benefits:
- Working Tax Credit
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).
Social Security Scotland also accept claims if the person alone
is named on one of these benefits:
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
(ESA)
