1325 payments of new benefit made within Moray
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A total of 1325 payments have been made in Moray of a new benefit designed to tackle child poverty.
The Scottish Child Payment was launched in February with the aim of helping low-income families with the costs of raising a child.
The payments, which are in addition to UK-wide child benefits, are worth the equivalent of £10/week for each child under six in a household.
Of the 1455 applications received from Moray 92% have been approved.
Shirley-Anne Somerville, cabinet secretary for social security, said: "It is great to see so many families benefitting from the Scottish Child Payment and that it is making a positive impact on the lives of so many children.
"We are working hard to tackle child poverty and it is fantastic to see the number of households being supported so quickly after the payment’s launch.
"It is a benefit unique to Scotland within the UK, and has been hailed as a potential game-changer in the fight against child poverty.
"It shows how, with the welfare powers we have gained, we are making a real, positive difference to the lives of young people and their families, boosting the life chances of children across the country."
Parents and carers are also able to apply for Best Start Grants and Best Start Foods at the same time as the Scottish Child Payment.
