Parents Urged Not to Miss Out on Support
Parents of disabled children are being urged to make sure they’re not missing out on vital financial support from the Scottish Government.
Child Disability Payment is money to help families cover the extra costs of looking after a child or young person who is disabled, has a long-term health condition or is terminally ill.
Since being introduced in 2021, over 78,000 children and young people have received the payment, with more than £500 million being paid out in total.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met parents and children at Carrongrange High School in Grangemouth to hear about their experiences of applying for and receiving the benefit and to urge other parents to apply.
Child Disability Payment, paid by Social Security Scotland, has replaced Disability Living Allowance for Children from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The devolved benefit, designed in partnership with parents of disabled children and charities, was designed to be as straightforward and stress free as possible.
Light touch reviews were introduced for children whose condition has not changed since the original application was made. This means children with lifelong disabilities do not need to face ongoing lengthy reviews to continue getting financial support.
This is yet another important milestone for Scotland’s devolved social security system.
GRAEME
Particularly where disability and children are concerned, support payments need to be delivered in a far more sensitive and dependable way than they have been under the UK Government’s Department of Work & Pensions.
It is very encouraging that so many children and families in Scotland are now benefitting from the Scottish Government’s Child Disability Payment.
This government is determined that everyone receives the help to which they are entitled, and is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
Children and young people with a disability, long-term health condition or terminal illness often have additional needs and the costs for families can add up.
SOCIAL JUSTICE SECRETARY, SHIRELY-ANNE SOMERVILLE
Far too many families found the previous DWP scheme complicated and stigmatising. We were determined to change that and hearing from parents shows that we have.
The Scottish Government’s social security systems is built on encouraging people to apply, supporting them in the process and getting the decision right first time.
I’m pleased Child Disability Payment is there to support families who need extra help and I urge anyone whose child is eligible to apply.
It’s money they’re entitled to and could help make life a bit easier.
