Scottish Budget 2026: What is the Scottish Child Payment, who gets it, how much is it, and how has the budget impacted it?
The Scottish Government has announced more help for struggling families as part of their latest budget.
Today was Scottish Budget day and there was more interest than ever given that it was being delivered in an election year.
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said her 2026-27 budget is one which will "provide for a stronger NHS and investment in Scotland's infrastructure".
And amidst the taxation and spending plans for the financial year ahead there was good news for parents and child carers on low incomes - with the weekly Scottish Child Payment being boosted to £40 for those with kids yet to reach their first birthday.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the purpose of the Scottish Child Payment?
The Scottish Child Payment is a benefit payed to low-income families for children under the age of 16 to reduce child poverty and help with family costs. It acts as a top-up to other benefits like Universal Credit.
Who receives the Scottish Child Payment?
The Scottish Child Payment can be claimed by anybody living in Scotland who is responsible for a child and is already entitled to any of the following benefits:
- Universal credit
- Pension credit
- Income-related employment and support allowance
How many children can you claim the Scottish Child Payment for?
There is no limit to the number of children you can claim the Scottish Child Payment for - it is not impacted by the UK's soon-to-be-scrapped two-child benefit limit.
When was the Scottish Child Payment introduced?
The benefit was created by the Scottish Government in February 2021 for children under the age of 6.
Has the Scottish Child Payment been increased before?
The payment has been increased - and expanded - three times prior to the most recent Scottish budget, as follows:
- Feb 2021: the payment was introduced at £10 per week for children under the age of 6.
- Nov 2022: Increased to £25 per week for children under 16.
- Apr 2024: Increased to £26.70, before being hiked to £27.15 for children under 16.
What changes has the most recent Scottish Budget made to the Scottish Child Payment?
For those with children over the age of one there will be no change due to the budget - they will continue to receive £27.15 per week for each child.
But families with children under the age of one will have the payment boosted to £40 a week until their child’s first birthday - that’s an extra £668.20 for the first year of the child’s life.
Once the child reaches his or her first birthday the payment will revert to £27.15 a week.
How is the Scottish Child Payment paid?
Payments are made every four weeks in arrears, direct into the account of the person responsible for the child.
How do you claim the Scottish Child Payment?
If you think you are eligible for the benefit you can call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222 or claim online at mygov.scot
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