The new Scottish Child Payment – which has been described as a “game-changer” in the fight to tackle child poverty – will open early for applications this month.
Shona Robison, MSP for Dundee City East has encouraged parents and carers who are eligible to apply now so that the Scottish Government can process and start making payments as quickly as possible once the benefit starts in February next year.
The SNP 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 4,000 children set to benefit Dundee.
The Payment is the biggest benefit that the Scottish Government has introduced to date, and the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK.
Shona Robison, Chair of the SNP’s Social Justice Commission, said:
“The Scottish Child Payment is an ambitious and ground-breaking new benefit which will directly tackle child poverty across the country.
“This support is needed more than ever, and it’s early introduction – almost two years ahead of the original commitment – will be a lifeline for many such families across Scotland.
“This benefit will be a lifeline for many children, young people and their families in Dundee. I’d encourage anyone who is eligible to apply as soon as possible.”
ENDS