‘More breathing space to enjoy life' - my experience of the Scottish child payment

Lisa from the Changing Realities project shares her experience of the Scottish child payment.

When the weekly universal credit uplift made during the pandemic was cut in 2021, times were very challenging. Going through the COVID crisis as a single parent with no family was compounded further by this sudden stop in additional support. It was a very difficult time for me.

Then in 2021, I was made aware of a new benefit, the Scottish child payment, through the media. I applied, and after 10 weeks, I received my first payment. At the time this was £10 per week, only equivalent to half the £80 a month I received from universal credit uplift payments, but regardless it made a difference to my household. 

Now the payment, currently £26.70 per week, has enabled me and my son to participate in more social and educational activities which normally we would have struggled to afford. It alleviates some of the financial pressure and gives me and my son more breathing space to enjoy life. 

The Scottish child payment has been a ‘game changer’ for me. It has enabled me to invest in a more nutritious diet that fuels my son adequately during his school day. We all know diet impacts both cognitive behaviour and performance, which is really important to me. We also all know there is a correlation between finances and mental health. Receiving the Scottish child payment has definitely helped improve my mental health, which of course not only impacts me but my family too.

I have been pleased to see the Scottish Government investing in this benefit, and really pushing to eradicate child poverty. However, I still feel we have a long road ahead of us. 

I firmly believe one way of pushing against the tidal wave of child poverty would be to increase the Scottish child payment. These payments are allowing me to live with more dignity and respect which we all deserve in order to thrive and feel less stigmatized. Increasing the payment would undoubtedly pull more families like mine further ‘out of the waters.’ 

Lisa, Changing Realities

Changing Realities is a partnership between parents and carers, the universities of York and Salford and Child Poverty Action Group. The project is documenting and working to change life on a low income during this cost-of-living crisis. We are working directly with parents and carers who are most impacted by low incomes, and push for urgent reform of social security. You can read more about the project on the Changing Realities website.