APPLICATIONS can now be made for a new benefit that supports families who have a child with a disability.

Introduced by the Scottish Government, the Child Disability Payment provides money to help with the extra care and mobility costs children and young people with a disability may have, up to the age of 18.

It replaces the UK Government’s Disability Living Allowance for children and is being rolled out in the local area following a successful pilot scheme in Dundee, Perth and Kinross and the Western Isles.

Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security, said: “This is a significant milestone in the introduction of our new social security system. Families who find themselves in need of support will be able to access this help in a way that suits them best.

“In the months and years ahead, thousands of families will benefit from our simplified and much less stressful system, which will treat everyone with dignity, fairness and respect.

“We encourage those who are eligible for support to apply.”

For more information or to apply, visit mygov.scot or call 0800 182 2222.