Scottish Child Payment – weekly payment for children under 16

If you live in Scotland, look after a child under 16 and get Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit, you may be entitled to Scottish Child Payment of £28.20 a week for each child, paid every 4 weeks.

Deadline

No fixed deadline

Last checked

Checked against the official source: 21 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? There is no fixed deadline, but you only get payments once you apply. Apply as soon as you start getting a qualifying benefit.

Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment from Social Security Scotland for each child under 16 you look after. You or your partner must get a qualifying benefit, such as Universal Credit. Child Benefit on its own does not qualify.

How to do it

1. Check that you are the main person looking after a child under 16.
2. Check that you or your partner get Universal Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or that you alone get Pension Credit, Income Support or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
3. Apply online on mygov.scot, by phone on 0800 182 2222 or with a paper form.
4. If your application is successful, you are paid every 4 weeks.

Common questions

Which benefits qualify for Scottish Child Payment?

Universal Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance for you or your partner. If you alone are named on it, Pension Credit, Income Support or income-related Employment and Support Allowance also count. Child Benefit alone does not qualify.

How much is Scottish Child Payment?

£28.20 a week for each child under 16, paid every 4 weeks.

Is there other help for young children in Scotland?

Yes. Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods help with the costs of pregnancy and young children. You can apply for both through Social Security Scotland.

Official source: mygov.scot (opens in a new tab)

This information is not legal or tax advice.