Parents urged to claim for new child payment scheme

Thousands of families across the country have already applied early for the payment, which aims to help towards the costs of supporting a family and comprises a weekly payment of £10 for every child you look after who is under six years old. People are eligible if they receive certain benefits, whether they are in work or not.

Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, is urging any eligible families in the Borders who have not yet applied for the scheme to do so to ensure they don’t miss out.

Ms Grahame said: “It is extremely encouraging to see so many families sign up early to receive their Scottish Child Payment when it is rolled out on February 15 by the Scottish Government.

“When the payment is introduced it will provide a real difference to families across Scotland at a much-needed time.

“This is just the start of the work Social Security Scotland is introducing to make a difference to the lives of people in the Borders, with the Scottish Child Payment described as ‘game-changing’ by anti-poverty charities.

“I would urge anyone who has not yet applied to the scheme to make sure they do so they do not miss out on any money they are entitled to.”

To find out if you are eligible, click here.