New benefit to tackle child poverty pays out £3.6 million since February.
A total of 3.010 Scottish Child Payments have been made in Renfrewshire since its launch.
The benefit, which is unique to Scotland, is intended to help low-income families with the costs of raising a child. It gives qualifying parents and carers £40 every four weeks for each child under six.
A total of 92% of the applications processed have been approved, and payments started in February.
Applications were received from people living in all 32 local authorities in Scotland, including 3,460 from Renfrewshire.
By end of March, 3,010 payments were made – meaning a total of £113,080 has been paid to applicants from Renfrewshire.
Across Scotland, an estimated 78,775 children have already benefitted from Scottish Child Payment. More than £3.6 million has been paid out overall.
Parents and carers are able to apply for all eligible children in their household in a single application and can also apply for Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods at the same time.
Scottish Child Payment is in addition to the UK wide Child Benefit.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Security Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“It is great to see so many families benefitting from the Scottish Child Payment and that it is making a positive impact on the lives of so many children. We are working hard to tackle child poverty and it is fantastic to see the number of households being supported so quickly after the payment’s launch.
“It is a benefit unique to Scotland within the UK, and has been hailed as a potential ‘game-changer’ in the fight against child poverty.
“It shows how, with the welfare powers we have gained, we are making a real, positive difference to the lives of young people and their families, boosting the life chances of children across the country.”
Background
Nationally, more than 104,000 applications were made between 9 November 2020 and 31 March 2021.
To get advice on what benefits may be available ,parents and carers can access free, confidential advice through Money Talk Team. Visit Parentclub.scot to find out more.
Full details are available to view at MyGov.scot