The deal secures the Scottish National Party (SNP) a pro-independence parliamentary majority and a mandate to tackle “the impact of child poverty”.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has reached a ground-breaking agreement with the Scottish Green Party that meets the challenges and opportunities of our time.
“The agreement delivers bold policy action on pressing issues. A commitment to more affordable housing, a better deal for tenants and action to tackle poverty and inequality.
“It recognises that business as usual is not good enough – we need boldness, courage and a will to do things differently. That is what we offer.”
Am I eligible?
In order to receive payments under this benefit scheme, individual claimants or couples must be based in Scotland, be receiving certain benefits, the main person looking after a child who is under six years old.
It is advised that the main person looking after the child complete the application form or use their bank details for future payments.
Among the list of benefits claimants must be on to receive Scottish child payments are Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
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Applicants must show either a Universal Credit statement, a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit award letter or a Tax Credit award letter to qualify.
How much can I get?
The benefit scheme includes a weekly payment of £10, which is paid every four weeks if the application is successful.
Scottish child payment does impact and is not dependent on other benefits received at the same time.
However, according to this new deal, the Scottish Government will double it to £20 within the lifetime of the current Parliament.
This matches the rise called for by poverty campaigners, who have been requesting the Government to intervene in regards to child poverty.
Earlier this week, the End Child Poverty Coalition published an open letter to the Holyrood Government, calling on Scottish child payments to be doubled.
Among the letter’s signatories were Save the Children, Oxfam and the Scottish Labour Party.
The letter stated: “We have the powers, we have the urgent need, and we have the cross-party consensus to double the Scottish child payment. I
“If your government is to truly make ending child poverty a ‘national mission’, and if we are to ensure that a more just Scotland emerges from the pandemic, then we must not delay.
“Children growing up in the grip of poverty right now – as well as their parents and care-givers – simply cannot endure until the end of this Parliament to be unlocked from poverty. Their lives and life chances are too important for this action to wait.”
How can I apply?
Those interested in applying for Scottish child payments can do so via the Scottish Government’s website or they can phone Social Security Scotland.
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