The Scottish Child Payment is a benefit unique to Scotland that helps families with children on low incomes.
Overview
What It Is
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | £26.70 per week |
| Per child | Under 16 |
| Paid by | Social Security Scotland |
| Started | 2021 (expanded 2022) |
| UK equivalent | None |
Annual Value
| Children | Weekly | 4-Weekly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 child | £26.70 | £106.80 | £1,388.40 |
| 2 children | £53.40 | £213.60 | £2,776.80 |
| 3 children | £80.10 | £320.40 | £4,165.20 |
| 4 children | £106.80 | £427.20 | £5,553.60 |
Eligibility
Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Live in Scotland | Must be resident |
| Responsible for child | Under 16 |
| Receive qualifying benefit | See list below |
Qualifying Benefits
| UK Benefit | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Yes |
| Child Tax Credit | Yes |
| Income Support | Yes |
| Income-based JSA | Yes |
| Income-related ESA | Yes |
| Pension Credit | Yes |
| Working Tax Credit (alone) | No |
| Child Benefit (alone) | No |
Who Counts as Responsible
| Situation | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Parent child lives with | Yes |
| Guardian | Yes |
| Kinship carer | Yes |
| Foster carer | No (other support) |
| Non-resident parent | Usually no |
Child Age
| Age | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| 0-15 years | Yes |
| 16+ | No |
| Turns 16 | Payment stops |
| 16-19 in education | Separate support available |
How to Apply
Application Process
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check eligibility |
| 2 | Apply online or by phone |
| 3 | Social Security Scotland processes |
| 4 | Decision within weeks |
| 5 | Payment begins |
Apply Through
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | mygov.scot |
| Phone | 0800 182 2222 |
| Post | Form available |
| Help | Local advice services |
What You Need
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Your details | Name, address, NI number |
| Child’s details | Name, DOB |
| Bank details | For payment |
| Benefit details | Which you receive |
Payment Details
When Paid
| Frequency | Details |
|---|---|
| Every 4 weeks | Regular cycle |
| In arrears | For previous 4 weeks |
| Direct to | Your bank account |
Payment Schedule
| Registration | First Payment |
|---|---|
| Apply and approved | Usually within 6 weeks |
| Backdated | To application date |
| First payment | May be larger (arrears) |
Interaction with Other Benefits
Does NOT Affect
| Benefit | Impact on Payment |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | None |
| Child Tax Credit | None |
| Housing Benefit | None |
| Council Tax Reduction | None |
| Other benefits | Generally none |
Why It’s Protected
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Not counted as income | For UK benefits |
| Additional support | Not replacement |
| Scottish-specific | Designed this way |
Combined Support Example
Family with 2 Children (UC)
| Payment | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | £1,200 (example) |
| Child Benefit | £194 |
| Scottish Child Payment | £231 |
| Total | £1,625 |
*Figures illustrative
Compared to England
| Support | Scotland | England |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Same | Same |
| Child Benefit | Same | Same |
| Scottish Child Payment | £231/month | £0 |
| Extra in Scotland | £231/month |
Other Scottish Benefits
Scottish Social Security
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Start Grant | One-off payments |
| Best Start Foods | Food support |
| Scottish Child Payment | Ongoing weekly |
| Carer’s Allowance Supplement | Top-up for carers |
Best Start Grant
| Payment | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy & Baby | £707.25 | Birth |
| Early Learning | £294.70 | Age 2-3.5 |
| School Age | £294.70 | Starting school |
Best Start Foods
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| During pregnancy | £19.80/week |
| Child 0-1 | £19.80/week |
| Child 1-3 | £9.90/week |
Changes of Circumstances
What to Report
| Change | Action |
|---|---|
| Move address | Report within 1 month |
| Child turns 16 | Payment auto-stops |
| Lose qualifying benefit | Report immediately |
| Child moves out | Report |
How to Report
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | mygov.scot account |
| Phone | 0800 182 2222 |
| Promptly | To avoid overpayment |
If Circumstances Change
| Situation | Impact |
|---|---|
| Lose UC | May lose SCP too |
| Move to England | Lose SCP |
| New child | Apply for them too |
| Child leaves | Payment reduces |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to reapply? | No, automatic renewal |
| Can both parents claim? | Only one per child |
| What if I share custody? | Main carer claims |
| Is it taxed? | No |
Backdating
| Situation | Backdating |
|---|---|
| Late application | Usually only to application date |
| Eligible earlier | Limited backdating |
| Apply promptly | To not lose payments |
How to Maximise Support
Check All Entitlements
| Check | Why |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Gateway to SCP |
| Best Start Grant | Additional lump sums |
| Best Start Foods | Weekly food card |
| Council Tax Reduction | May qualify |
| School Clothing Grant | Additional support |
If Not Claiming UC
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Working but low income | Check UC eligibility |
| On legacy benefits | May still qualify |
| Pension age | Pension Credit can qualify |
Summary
Key Points
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | £26.70/week/child |
| Annual value | £1,388 per child |
| Who | Low income families in Scotland |
| Qualifying benefit | UC, Tax Credits, etc. |
| Doesn’t affect | Other benefits |
Quick Eligibility
| You Need | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Live in Scotland | |
| Child under 16 | |
| Receive qualifying benefit | |
| Apply to | Social Security Scotland |
Apply Now
| If Eligible | Action |
|---|---|
| Don’t delay | Apply promptly |
| Easy process | Online or phone |
| Extra support | Scotland-only benefit |
| Significant money | £1,388+/year per child |