Scottish Child Payment extended to children under 16

2 mins read

Wednesday 9 November 2022

From Monday 14 November, the Scottish Child Payment is increasing from £20 to £25 per week and extending to children aged under 16. Up until now, it has been for children under six only.

If you are a family in Scotland on means-tested benefits and have a child aged under 16, make sure you make a claim for that child.

What is the Scottish Child Payment?

The Scottish child payment is an extra amount paid to low-income families in Scotland for each child they have aged under six years.

Who qualifies for the Scottish child payment?

To qualify for a Scottish child payment, you must live in Scotland and be receiving “a qualifying benefit”.

You also need to show that you are the person responsible for the child in question.

Visit our Scottish Child Payment page to see full eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for the Scottish Child Payment?

Social Security Scotland makes this payment. To apply, either call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or visit the Scottish Government website.

Social Security Scotland expects a high demand for new claims from 14 November. There may be delays in the first payment being sent out, but payments will be backdated to the date that you first applied. Try to claim as soon as possible from 14 November.

You’ll use the same application form regardless of whether you are applying for the first time, or you already get a payment for a child under six and now want to add older children to your claim.

If you are adding additional children, you’ll have fewer questions to complete, as Social Security Scotland will already hold some of your details on their system.

When can I apply?

You will be able to make an application for children aged six-15 from 14 November. You can make a claim for a child under six at any time.

Further information

You can find out more about the Scottish Child Payment and other welfare benefits in Scotland on our webpages on welfare benefits in Scotland.