Across Scotland, 321,885 children are
benefiting from Scottish Child Payment as of March
2026, according to newly published statistics.
Launched in February 2021, the Scotland-only benefit is a weekly
payment of £28.20, paid every four weeks to every eligible child
under 16 within a household.
Scottish Child Payment is expected to keep 50,000 children out of
relative poverty in 2026–27. This underlines the critical role
that Scottish Child Payment plays in eradicating child poverty in
Scotland.
Social Justice Secretary, ,
said:
“Eradicating child poverty and supporting families with the cost
of living is a key focus for this government. It's clear that the
Scottish Child Payment is making a major difference to families
which is why we will now go further by increasing the Scottish
Child Payment to £40 per week for families with children under
the age of one.
We remain fully committed to doing everything we can to support
families and give every child the best possible start in life.
Scottish Child Payment remains central to that mission.”
Background
Scottish Child Payment statistics to 31 March 2026: Scottish Child Payment
statistics to 31 March 2026 - Social Security Scotland
Scottish Child Payment estimated take-up rate of 94% among
eligible people in Scotland, showing that the payment is reaching
those who need it most: Take-up Rates of Scottish
Benefits: October 2025 - gov.scot
Numbers of children kept out of poverty. Scottish
Government: Bringing Hope, Building Futures:
Tackling child poverty delivery plan 2026-2031 – annex 5:
Cumulative Impact Assessment - gov.scot
Plans announced in the Scottish Budget on 13 January 2026
included a new premium element added to Scottish Child Payment
from 2027, increasing weekly payments for each eligible
child under one year old to £40 per week – potentially meaning
more than £500 in additional support for each eligible
child. A Budget to tackle child poverty
- gov.scot
