More than 320,000 children across Scotland are currently receiving Scottish Child Payment, according to the latest official data released this week. New statistics from Social Security Scotland show there were 320,390 children actively benefiting from the payment at the end of June 2026. A total of £118.3 million was paid to families during the three months from April to June, while more than £1.7 billion has been issued since the benefit was introduced.
Payment rates and eligibility
Scottish Child Payment is currently worth £28.20 each week for every eligible child under the age of 16 and is usually paid every four weeks. There is no limit on the number of eligible children in a family who can receive the payment. This means an eligible household with one child could receive the equivalent of £1,466.40 over a full year, while a family with two eligible children could receive £2,932.80.
The payment is administered by Social Security Scotland and is designed to help towards the costs of supporting a family. It does not count as earned income when entitlement to other UK Government or Scottish Government benefits is calculated, so receiving Scottish Child Payment should not reduce those payments.
Who can get Scottish Child Payment?
People can apply if they live in Scotland and they or their partner are responsible for a child under 16. They will normally also need to receive a qualifying benefit. These include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
People do not have to be out of work to qualify for Scottish Child Payment. Working families can receive it if they meet the eligibility rules and receive one of the qualifying benefits. Child Benefit on its own does not qualify someone for Scottish Child Payment. However, MYGOV.SCOT says people who have applied for one of the qualifying benefits but are still waiting for a decision can apply for Scottish Child Payment rather than waiting for the outcome. People may also still qualify if their Universal Credit or other qualifying benefit has been reduced to £0 because of a sanction or deductions.
How much is Scottish Child Payment?
Scottish Child Payment is worth £28.20 per child each week and is normally paid every four weeks. Because it is paid for each eligible child, the amount a household receives increases according to the number of qualifying children. For example, payments work out at: one eligible child receives £112.80 every four weeks and £1,466.40 over 52 weeks; two eligible children receive £225.60 every four weeks and £2,932.80 over 52 weeks; three eligible children receive £338.40 every four weeks and £4,399.20 over 52 weeks; four eligible children receive £451.20 every four weeks and £5,865.60 over 52 weeks. The actual amount received over particular months will depend on the payment schedule.
How to apply
Applications can be made online, over the phone or using a paper form. The latest official statistics show online applications are by far the most common method, accounting for around 91 per cent of Scottish Child Payment applications received since the benefit was launched. Families can also apply for Scottish Child Payment alongside Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods using a combined application. This means eligible parents do not necessarily have to complete separate applications for each form of support.
Families receiving Scottish Child Payment may also be eligible for Best Start Grant payments as their children get older. Social Security Scotland can automatically award the Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and School Age Payment to eligible people receiving Scottish Child Payment, removing the need for them to make separate applications. Eligibility conditions still apply.
How long are applications taking?
The latest figures also provide an indication of how long new Scottish Child Payment applications are taking to process. During April to June 2026, the median processing time was 32 working days, just over six weeks. It's important to be aware processing times measure the period between Social Security Scotland receiving an application and making a decision. Individual claims can take more or less time depending on the circumstances and whether additional information is required.
Scottish Child Payment is only available to families living in Scotland. Families can check their eligibility and apply through MYGOV.SCOT.
