When more than one person applies for the same child

If more than one person applies for the same child or children, it's called a double claim. In these situations, Social Security Scotland has a process of deciding who gets the payment.

Social Security Scotland needs to make sure that the person who gets the payment meets their conditions around looking after children. They prioritise people who have a benefit or care arrangement that shows they’re likely to be the child’s main carer.

Social Security Scotland prioritises some benefits over others, because the benefits provide more information about the child's living situation.

These are:

• Child Tax Credits
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit

Social Security Scotland also prioritises people who are kinship carers over people with Child Benefit. This is because the information shows that the child lives with the carer.

In some cases, both parties have the same benefit, or both have a legal order or letter from their local council. In these cases, Scottish Ministers have to consider the circumstances of the child and decide who gets the payment.

You'll get a letter to let you know about Social Security Scotland's decision.

For more information about double claims, call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.