Government must ensure all entitled receive child payment
Scottish Ministers must ensure that all those eligible for the new Scottish Child Payment are able to claim it if it is to fulfil its purpose of seriously tackling child poverty according to Scottish Greens Social Security Spokesperson Alison Johnstone MSP.
The Lothian MSP highlighted that while take up of the well-established child benefit payment sits at 95%, many of the ‘gateway’ benefits to the new payment are significantly under claimed and asked the Communities Secretary how the government would ensure all those eligible were made aware of the new payment.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
“Across the board, means-tested payments have lower rates than universal payments. Child Benefit, a trusted, well-known source of support is claimed by around 95% of eligible families. Given that the Scottish Government have decided not to use Child Benefit to boost family incomes, it’s vital that Ministers ensure that every effort is made to ensure every low-income family eligible for the new payment will receive it.”