MSP Gillian Martin welcomes Scottish Child Disability Payment

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin is encouraging families to apply for the Scottish Child Disability Payment which has now opened for applications.

For the first time anywhere in the UK, disability benefit applicants can apply online, as well as by phone, post or face-to-face.

The new payment replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children and is the first of three complex disability benefits to be introduced nationwide by the Scottish Government.

The Child Disability Payment, which will be administered by Social Security Scotland, provides families with support for extra costs that a disabled child might have.

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “The roll-out of the Child Disability Payment is very welcome and I am pleased all eligible families will have the opportunity to apply.

“This significant milestone also provides the opportunity for families who find themselves in need if support will be able to access this help in a way that suits them best.

“In the months and years ahead, thousands of families will benefit from our simplified and much less stressful system, which will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

“Social security is a shared investment in building a fairer Scotland and we encourage those who are eligible for support to apply.”

Those already receiving Disability Living Allowance for children do not need to apply.

These approximately 52,000 current cases are being automatically transferred in phases from the Department for Work and Pensions to Social Security Scotland.

This will be completed by spring 2023.

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