25,000 children in Fife receiving Scottish Child Payment

The families of 24,920 children in the area were receiving this financial aid as of December 31, 2024.

Since its introduction in February 2021, more than £78.2 million has been distributed to parents and carers in Fife.

The Scottish Child Payment, unique to Scotland, provides weekly financial support of £26.70 for every eligible child under 16.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.

"Our investment in the Scottish Child Payment has seen over £1 billion worth of these payments issued by December 31, 2024; that is money directly in the pockets of those families who need it most.

"Modelling published in February 2024 estimates that the Scottish Child Payment could keep 60,000 children out of relative poverty this year."

Ms Somerville added: "Scottish Child Payment is actively improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their families to access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.

"In the coming year, it is forecast we’ll invest a further £471 million, ensuring that this support continues to reach even more families and children who need it."

A survey published alongside these figures revealed that 90 per cent of respondents rated their overall experience of Social Security Scotland as either ‘good’ or ‘very good’.

The Scottish Child Payment is one of five family payments that parents and carers may be eligible for, alongside the Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.

To qualify, the person must live in Scotland, be the main carer for a child under 16, and be receiving certain benefits or payments.

A parent or carer can apply whether they are in work or not, if they or their partner are receiving one or more of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Pension Credit, Income Support, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Social Security Scotland also accepts claims if the person alone is named on one of these benefits.