In December 2024, 235 children and young people in Orkney were receiving Child Disability Payment.  

Child Disability Payment is not means-tested, is non-taxable and can help people access other types of support, such as a Blue Badge, Housing Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit.  

The latest official statistics from Social Security Scotland show that since Child Disability Payment launched in 2021, over £1 billion has been paid to the families of over 97,000 eligible children and young people across Scotland.  

Child Disability Payment helps with the extra costs often experienced by families of disabled children or young people, including those who are, terminally ill. The benefit can be paid until the young person turns 18 years old.  People can apply even if the child or young person does not have a diagnosis. In these cases, they can tell Social Security Scotland about how their child is affected and any symptoms they may have.  

Social Security Scotland can help people apply for Child Disability Payment, gathering information to support their application from professionals such as doctors and teachers. 

The organisation’s in-house health and social care professionals including registered nurses and physiotherapists, use their expertise and experience to help make decisions on applications. 

Laura, part of the health and social care team, said: 

“We see applications every day from families of children and young people with a broad range of health conditions including autism, epilepsy, asthma and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

“We know the impact that disabilities can have on children and young people and their families and we see how Child Disability Payment can make a real difference.  

“It is important for people to get the benefits they are entitled to and I would encourage anyone who thinks they could be eligible to apply.”  

All disabled children and young people in Scotland who receive disability benefits are now paid directly by Social Security Scotland.  

For more information on Child Disability Payment and to apply, visit mygov.scot/child-disability-payment   

 There are 3 different payment rates for the Care component:

• lowest, a weekly rate of £28.70
• middle, a weekly rate of £72.65 
• highest, a weekly rate of £108.55

There are 2 payment rates for the mobility component:

• lower, a weekly rate of £28.70
• higher, a weekly rate of £75.75 

Click on this link for more information and how to apply: Child Disability Payment