Scottish Child Payment is a benefit administered by Social Security Scotland for low-income families with children under 16. It’s available on top of UK-wide benefits and is not counted as income against them.
What is Scottish Child Payment?
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | £26.70 per week per child |
| Who pays it | Social Security Scotland |
| Who can claim | Low-income families in Scotland with children under 16 |
| How is it paid | Every 4 weeks |
| Affects other benefits? | No — fully disregarded |
Annual Value
| Children | Weekly Amount | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | £26.70 | £1,388.40 |
| 2 children | £53.40 | £2,776.80 |
| 3 children | £80.10 | £4,165.20 |
| 4 children | £106.80 | £5,553.60 |
Eligibility
Who Can Claim
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Live in Scotland |
| Responsible for a child | Child under 16 lives with you |
| Qualifying benefit | Currently receiving a qualifying benefit (see below) |
Qualifying Benefits
You must be receiving at least one of:
| Qualifying Benefit | Type |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Working or not working |
| Child Tax Credit | Legacy benefit |
| Working Tax Credit | With a disability or severe disability element |
| Income Support | Legacy benefit |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance | Legacy benefit |
| Income-related Employment and Support Allowance | Legacy benefit |
| Pension Credit | Guarantee Credit element |
Working families on Universal Credit qualify — you don’t have to be out of work to apply.
Children Who Qualify
| Age | Status |
|---|---|
| Under 16 | Automatically qualifies |
| 16 and over | Not eligible |
There’s no limit on the number of children you can claim for.
Who “Responsible” Means
You’re responsible for a child if they normally live with you. If a child lives with more than one person at different times, the main person they live with claims.
How to Claim
Apply Online or by Phone
Online: mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment
Phone: 0800 182 2222 (Social Security Scotland — free)
Post: Paper forms available on request from Social Security Scotland
What You’ll Need
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Your details | Name, address, NI number |
| Child’s details | Name, date of birth, CHI number (if available) |
| Banking details | Account for payment |
| Qualifying benefit proof | Your UC award letter or benefit reference number |
When to Apply
Apply as soon as a qualifying benefit award is in place. Most decisions are made within 10 working days.
Backdating
Scottish Child Payment can be backdated up to 3 months before your application date, provided you were entitled during that period.
Payments
How and When You’re Paid
- Paid every 4 weeks, direct to your bank account
- You receive £106.80 per payment for one child (4 × £26.70)
- Payments are automatic once approved — no need to reapply each year
When Payments Stop
Payments stop automatically when your child turns 16 or:
- You move out of Scotland
- You stop receiving a qualifying benefit
- A child moves out of your care
Tell Social Security Scotland if any of these happen to avoid overpayments.
Scottish Child Payment and Other Benefits
Fully Disregarded
Scottish Child Payment is not counted as income for:
| Benefit | Effect |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | No reduction |
| Housing Benefit | No reduction |
| Council Tax Reduction | No reduction |
| Council Tax Support | No reduction |
This makes it one of the most straightforwardly beneficial payments available — it truly adds money on top of everything else.
Combining with Other Scottish Benefits
Scottish Child Payment can be combined with other Social Security Scotland payments:
| Other Scottish Benefit | Can Combine? |
|---|---|
| Child Disability Payment | Yes |
| Best Start Grant | Yes (if eligible) |
| Best Start Foods | Yes (if eligible) |
| Funeral Support Payment | Yes |
Best Start Grant (Also Available in Scotland)
If you’re claiming Scottish Child Payment, you may also be eligible for the Best Start Grant, a one-off payment for families with young children:
| Grant | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy and Baby Payment | £754.65 (first child); £377.35 (subsequent) | Pregnancy or child under 6 months |
| Early Learning Payment | £314.45 | Child aged 2–3 years and 6 months |
| School Age Payment | £314.45 | Child starting school |
Best Start Foods
If you’re pregnant or have a child under 3 and on a qualifying benefit, you may also get Best Start Foods — a prepaid card loaded with money to buy milk, fruit, and vegetables:
| Stage | Payment |
|---|---|
| Pregnant | £21.40 every 4 weeks |
| Child 0–1 | £42.80 every 4 weeks |
| Child 1–3 | £21.40 every 4 weeks |
Apply at mygov.scot/best-start-foods.
Appeals and Reviews
If your application is refused:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Request a redetermination from Social Security Scotland within 31 days |
| 2 | If still refused, appeal to the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland |
| 3 | Advice Direct Scotland (0808 800 9060) or Citizens Advice can help |
Comparing Scottish vs UK Child Benefits
| Benefit | Amount | Who Pays | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Benefit (UK) | £26.05/week (first child) | HMRC | Anyone responsible for child, no income test |
| Scottish Child Payment | £26.70/week (per child) | Social Security Scotland | Low income + qualifying benefit |
Families in Scotland with qualifying benefits can receive both — they stack together.
Quick Reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Weekly rate per child | £26.70 |
| Annual rate per child | £1,388.40 |
| Age limit | Under 16 |
| Qualifying benefit needed? | Yes |
| Affects Universal Credit? | No |
| Number of children | No limit |
| Paid by | Social Security Scotland |
| Payment frequency | Every 4 weeks |
| Claim phone number | 0800 182 2222 |
| Backdating | Up to 3 months |