MP URGES WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE FAMILIES TO APPLY FOR NEW SCOTTISH CHILD PAYMENT

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New Scottish Government Benefit Payment ‘Game Changer’ In Tackling Child Poverty.

Families in West Dunbartonshire are being urged to apply now for a new benefit payment being introduced by the Scottish Government to tackle child poverty.

Local SNP MP Martin Docherty-Hughes has encouraged parents and carers in Clydebank, Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven to check if they are eligible for the Scottish Government’s new ‘Scottish Child Payment’ which opens for applications on Monday 9 November.

The Scottish Government has prioritised the early introduction of the new benefit for eligible families on low incomes with a child under 6 and despite the impact and disruption of Covid-19, is able to start payments from February 2021.

The new benefit will provide an extra £10 per week for each child, and be annually uprated in line with inflation. Introducing the benefit for all under-16s is planned for by the end of 2022.

The payment is the biggest benefit that the Scottish Government has introduced to date, and the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK.

Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said:

“The new Scottish Child Payment introduced by the Scottish Government has been welcomed by poverty action groups as a game-changer in tackling child poverty.

“Too many families in our communities are struggling just now, as the Covid-19 crisis exposes the damaging inequality caused by a decade of cuts and austerity from Westminster.

“The Scottish Government is determined to end the scourge of child poverty for good. The new Scottish Child Payment will provide vital financial support to children, young people and families on low incomes.

“I’d urge all parents and carers in West Dunbartonshire to check what they’re entitled to and apply now if they’re able to benefit from this new payment.”

Scotland’s Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“The Scottish Child Payment is the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK. Almost 60% of all children in poverty live in a family where a child is under six so I am proud we are able to introduce it early for families with young children – almost two years ahead of the original commitment for this new benefit to be introduced.

“We are expecting a significant demand for this new payment so are opening applications early from Monday 9 November and will make the first payments in around 15 weeks.

“A great deal of effort has gone into creating this payment – including overcoming the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on plans and work schedules to ensure we get money to the families who need it.”

Eligible families in West Dunbartonshire and across Scotland can apply for the Scottish Child Payment from 9 November 2020 by visiting mygov.scot/benefits or calling 0800 182 2222.

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