West Dunbartonshire kids benefit from the Scottish Child Payment

More than 7000 young people in the area are currently benefiting from the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly sum designed to help families cover the cost of essentials such as food, clothing, and activities that support health and wellbeing.

As of December 31, 2025, a total of 7060 children in the area were receiving the payment, which provides £27.15 per week for each eligible child under the age of 16.

This planned increase is expected to benefit around 12,000 children across Scotland, offering families up to an additional £500 per year for each eligible child.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Scotland's Social Justice Secretary, said: "Scottish Child Payment forms part of the best cost of living support package in the UK.

"It has helped ease the pressure on thousands of family budgets and is playing a key role in ensuring Scotland is the only part of the UK to see relative poverty rates fall.

“Scottish Child Payment, and our other family payments, could be worth around £25,000 by a child’s 16th birthday — compared with less than £2,000 in England and Wales, where support ends at age four.

"Our package of family support demonstrates the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to eradicating child poverty and providing children in Scotland with the best start in life."

"It means I can afford opportunities that would otherwise be a struggle to pay for, like gymnastics for my youngest, and the local water sports for my eldest daughter.

"The skills my children are gaining from these activities are helping to broaden their horizons beyond our day-to-day life to give them the chance they deserve.

“What I value most is that the financial support gives families like mine the opportunity to choose what will benefit our children, rather than being limited to a set list of services — it’s a boost that helps us remove financial obstacles to make our lives better.”