Since its introduction in 2021, the Scottish Child Payment has made a significant difference to families across Scotland by helping cover the costs of raising children. Over 325,000 children and young people, aged 0 to 15, have been in receipt of the payment as of September 2024. However, it’s estimated that many more families who would qualify for the support are not currently claiming it. Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £26.70 paid every 4 weeks to eligible people and helps towards the costs of supporting children up to the age of 16. You can apply for the payment if you: Claim Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits Have a child or children aged up to 16yrs Social Security Scotland is determined to ensure all eligible families access this vital benefit and are particularly keen to raise awareness among families with older children, those living in rural areas, and parents from ethnic minority backgrounds. How to Apply To check eligibility and submit an application, visit www.mygov.scot/scottishchildpayment . You can also call Social Security Scotland free of charge on 0800 182 2222 for further information. If you're unsure of eligibility or need some assistance with the application, CHAP advisers are able to help. Call our office on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature on our website to arrange an appointment in North or East Ayrshire. If you think your family might qualify, please don’t wait - take action today and make sure you're receiving the financial support you're entitled to. 

Now that credit card bills and loan repayment invoices are arriving after the festive season, millions of people are bracing for the financial realities of Christmas spending. Recent research from lender Creditspring reveals a worrying trend - with over 9 million individuals entering 2025 with significant debt due to the rising costs of the festivities. Young People Hit Hardest The research highlights that young people, particularly those aged 18-34, are the most affected: 25% of young adults had reported that their Christmas spending would push them into debt - significantly higher than the UK average of 17%. 39% of 18-34 year olds said they had relied on their savings to cover festive expenses, compared to the UK average of 32%. 29% said they needed to borrow money from friends or family - more than double the national average of 14%. The study also found that 27% of young people couldn’t afford to buy presents at Christmas, over twice the UK average of 13%, while 21% of all UK adults were worried they wouldn’t be able to afford festive gifts or activities. The harsh reality is that many are now left grappling with the burden of credit card and loan repayments - a situation that we often see reflected in the numbers of people engaging with CHAP services at this time of year. You’re Not Alone: CHAP Can Help For those facing financial challenges, it’s important to remember there’s support available. High levels of debt, if left unmanaged, can quickly spiral out of control, but help is just a phone call away. At CHAP, our dedicated Money Advice Team can assist you with managing debt and regaining control of your finances. Our services are free, independent, and confidential, ensuring that you get the support you need to plan for a more financially stable year ahead. If you live in North or East Ayrshire, please don’t struggle alone - get in touch today: Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature on our website . Together, we can help you take the first step towards a brighter financial future. Source: Financial News