“Game-Changer” Scottish Child Payment Opens Early For Applicants

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.

MSP Gordon MacDonald has encouraged parents and carers across Edinburgh 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 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 17,500 children set to benefit in Edinburgh.

MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, Gordon MacDonald said, “The Scottish Child Payment is an ambitious, game-changing new benefit which will directly tackle child poverty across Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

"While the Scottish Government does everything it can to tackle poverty, the UK Government 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 government to get through this Covid-19 crisis.

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