Scottish child payment opens to families in Fife

Joint call from local MSP Jenny Gilruth and Fife Gingerbread for eligible families to apply.

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, and local charity Fife Gingerbread have welcomed the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, which is set to make a difference to families across Fife at a time when they need it most.

The new Scottish Government benefit will provide families with a much-needed boost as it will give eligible families and carers £40 every four weeks for each child under six.

 With payments due to start at the end of this month, the local MSP has teamed up with the charity, who support and empower Fife’s lone parents and families in need, in order to urge parents who have not applied yet to do so as soon as possible.

 Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:

 “The introduction of the Scottish Child Payment will be a welcome boost for families across Fife and I would urge anyone who hasn’t applied to do so as soon as they can so they can receive this benefit that is unique to Scotland.

 “The Scottish Child Payment has been described as ‘game-changing’ as it will make a difference to the lives of thousands of children across Scotland.

 “As the Scottish Government rolls out this new benefit it is in stark contrast to the Tories at Westminster who are planning on taking away the £20 uplift to Universal Credit at a time when families need it most.

 “Along with the Best Start Grant and other benefits rolled out by Social Security Scotland, the Scottish Child Payment is forming part of a benefits system built on dignity, fairness and respect, working for the people of Scotland, not against them.”

Fife Gingerbread’s Interim Strategic Manager, Laura Millar, said:

“The Scottish Child Payment is available to eligible families for each child under six years. We know that over the last 12 months that all families have experienced an increase in essential costs such as food and household bills. This is a clear commitment to supporting families in need to overcome the challenge of living on a low income.” 

 “We hope that all eligible families in Fife apply and reach out to the many support services that exist if they need our support to do so. Over half of families in Scotland who are entitled haven’t applied yet, and there is a joint responsibility for us all to encourage our friends, family and neighbours to check if they are eligible. This money could make all the difference to creating betters todays and brighter tomorrows for Fife’s lone parents and families in need.”

More information on the Scottish Child Payment and how to apply can be found here: https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment