Scottish Child Payment helps towards the costs of supporting your family. It's a weekly payment of £25 that you can get for every child you look after who's under 16 years of age. You'll get the payment every 4 weeks if your application is successful.

It's up to you what you choose to spend the money on. You could use Scottish Child Payment for things like:

  • travel costs
  • nappies and other essentials
  • childcare
  • family days out
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Who can get it?

You can apply for Scottish Child Payment whether in work or not.

You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

  • you live in Scotland
  • you or your partner are getting certain benefits or payments
  • you or your partner are the main person looking after a child who's under 16 years old

If you or your partner are in receipt of one of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Social Security Scotland also accept claims if you alone are named on one of these benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If your partner is named on any of the above 3 benefits and you are not, your partner should apply.

How many children can qualify for Scottish Child Payment per household?

Every child under 16 in a qualifying family will get a payment.

Does it affect other benefits?

No, it will not be taken into account for UK benefit and tax credit assessments.

How do you apply?

The quickest way to apply is online:

Apply by phone

Call Social Security Scotland (free) to make your application over the phone. The opening times are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

Social Security Scotland

If you're a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use the contactSCOTLAND app to contact Social Security Scotland by video relay.

Apply by post

You can apply by filling in a paper form.

If you'd like a pre-paid envelope to send documents to Social Security Scotland, call them free on 0800 182 2222 and they'll send you one.