Maree Todd MSP, SNP, has encouraged parents and carers in Orkney who are eligible to apply now for the new Scottish Child Payment so that the Scottish Government can process and start making payments as quickly as possible once the benefit starts in February next year.

The new Scottish Child Payment – which is unique to Scotland – is to open early for applications from Monday 9 November.

To apply click on this link: Benefits and Grants or phone  0800 182 2222.

The Scottish Government has prioritised the early introduction of the new benefit, which will provide eligible families on low incomes with a child under 6, an extra £10 per week for each child. 

Latest figures estimate that 194,000 children aged under-6 in Scotland will be eligible for the new Scottish Child Payment – with over 700 children set to benefit in Orkney.

Maree Todd MSP said: 

“The Scottish Child Payment is an ambitious, game-changing new benefit which will directly tackle child poverty in Orkney and across Scotland. 

“This support is needed more than ever, and it’s early introduction for under 6s – almost two years ahead of the original commitment for a new payment – will be a lifeline for so many families in Orkney.

“While the SNP does everything it can to tackle poverty, the Tories at Westminster are still helplessly trying to defend their shameless decision to deprive children of free school meals over the holidays. 

“Children and families simply shouldn’t have to depend on the whim of Boris Johnson’s callous Tory government to get through this Covid-19 crisis. 

“This benefit will be a lifeline for many children, young people and their families in Orkney. I’d encourage anyone who is eligible to apply as soon as possible.”

Further information for parents living in Scotland on a range of issues can be found here: Parent Club

The Scottish Child Payment will be administered by Social Security Scotland through an application-based process, and will be paid on a four-weekly basis.

• payment level: £10 per week, per eligible child
• eligibility: households with children and in receipt of a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Legacy Benefits and/or Pension Credit)
• timescales: early delivery to eligible families with children under 6 with first payments from end of February 2021.
• Full rollout to eligible families with children under 16 is planned for the end of 2022.