More than 10,000 children in Renfrewshire are currently being supported through the Scottish Child Payment, according to newly published figures.
Data released by Social Security Scotland shows 10,410 children and young people in Renfrewshire were actively benefiting from the payment at the end of December.
Across Scotland, 321,375 children were receiving the support.
The Scottish Child Payment is a benefit only available in Scotland. It is paid to eligible low-income families to help with the cost of raising children.
The Scottish Government says more than £1.4 billion has been paid to families since the scheme launched five years ago.
A recent report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that child poverty rates in Scotland are lower than in the rest of the UK. The report links this in part to policies such as the Scottish Child Payment.
The Scottish Government’s draft budget for 2026/27 includes plans to increase the payment to £40 per week for children under one-year-old.
Renfrewshire North and West MSP Natalie Don-Innes said: “Under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP Scottish Government has made eradicating child poverty its top priority and thanks to SNP policies such as the Scottish Child Payment, Scotland has the lowest levels of child poverty in the UK.
“The Scottish Child Payment is making a real difference for families in Renfrewshire. With 10,410 children locally benefitting, this support is helping to put money directly into the pockets of families as the cost of essentials continues to soar under Keir Starmer’s Labour government.
“There is still much work to do, and that’s why we are increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 per week for children under one and rolling out free Breakfast clubs across the country.
“The failure of successive Westminster governments to take similar action make it clearer than ever that Scotland needs the fresh start of independence to create a wealthier and fairer country. It is only by voting for the SNP in May that this can be achieved.”
The Scottish Child Payment is currently £25 per week per eligible child.
Families can apply through Social Security Scotland, here: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/scottish-child-payment.