Christina McKelvie MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Constituency has welcomed £60 million which has been distributed to thousands of families with disabled children in the first year of the new Scottish benefit.

The latest official figures from Social Security Scotland show the families of nearly 44,000 children and young people across Scotland were receiving Child Disability Payment in September this year.

The benefit replaces the DWP’s Disability Living Allowance for Children and helps cover the extra costs of caring for a child who is disabled, has a health condition or is terminally ill.

Commenting Christina said:

“Caring for a child who is disabled or has a long-term ill-health condition can result in extra costs for families, whether that is buying specialist equipment or paying for taxis to get to appointments. Children with disabilities often have to pay more to take part in the activities and opportunities with their peers.

“The Child Disability Payment aims to help parents support their children and young people to live their lives to the fullest. It is welcome news that around 44,000 families across are now receiving Child Disability Payment, a year after we rolled it out across Scotland.

“With the increasing financial pressures on families, it is important people are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. I urge anyone living in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Constituency who thinks they or their child may be eligible to get in touch with Social Security Scotland, as well as checking if they may be entitled to extra financial support by visiting costofliving.campaign.gov.scot/ as soon as possible.”

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