AS WE APPROACH winter, the cost-of-living crisis is deepening.

It’s important that those entitled to benefits claim what they are entitled to.

A total of £84 million, helping 104,000, has been paid to families since the Scottish Child Payment was introduced by the Scottish Government less than 18 months ago.

The payment of £20 per week, unique to Scotland in the UK, began in February 2021 as a direct measure to tackle child poverty. It provides regular, additional financial support to parents and carers to help with the costs of caring for a child. As of June 30, it is estimated that 104,000 children were actively in receipt of Scottish Child Payment and 1.4 million payments have now been made.

The Scottish Government is taking a number of urgent actions to address the current cost crisis. This includes efforts to maximise financial support to those most in need. The ongoing work to extend eligibility for and increase the value of the Scottish Child Payment is a vital part of these efforts.

Every penny of support is absolutely vital at the moment, which is why we are using our devolved powers and resources to make a difference for as many households as we can.

The payment doubled to £20 in April and will increase to £25 when it is extended to under-16s by the end of the year – a 150 per cent rise in this important benefit, which is one of five family benefits we are now delivering, along with Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment, Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment, Best Start Grant School Age Payment, and Best Start Foods.

Plans have also been announced to automatically pay the Best Start Grant Early Learning and School Age Payments to parents and carers who already receive Scottish Child Payment when their children become eligible. The change will be introduced later this year.

Ahead of extending the Scottish Child Payment to under-16s, the Scottish Government introduced bridging payments worth £520 a year which are being paid in 2021 and 2022 to provide immediate support to around 145,000 children and young people of school age.

If you think you are eligible, you can find out more and apply at mygov.scot/beststart or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.