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voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Social Security Scotland - Benefit eligibility widened for Kinship carers
Created: 3/30/2023Social Security Scotland is urging potentially eligible applicants for the Scottish Child Payment to check out the extra support potentially available to them via the widened eligibility criteria for this payement - and other benefits.
Part of the five family payments, the Scottish Child Payment was increased in November last year and the criteria was widened to include all eligible children aged under 16. Eligibility was also increased to include kinship carers who had a pre-existing relationship with a child they care for, even if they are not directly related to the child.
To be eligible, people must be getting Universal Credit, tax credits or other qualifying benefits. Kinship Carers may also find themselves eligible for the Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods. Kinship carers can apply for Best Start Grant Pregnancy and Baby Payment and in some cases can apply up to the day before the child turns one year old.
Kinship carers looking after a disabled child or young person can also apply for Child Disability Payment on behalf of the child.
Families, and carers can find out more and apply for the Scottish Child Payment at mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.