FAMILIES across West Dunbartonshire are set to see a rise in their child benefit payment if they are eligible.

The Scottish Government confirmed that the benefit, currently at £20 a week per child for eligible under-6s, is being increased to £25 a week per child and expanded to eligible under 16s.

Approximately 400,000 children across Scotland will be eligible the "anti-poverty" benefit increase from November this year.

West Dunbartonshire residents should apply if they are in work or out of work as long as they or their partner are getting one or more of the following benefits: Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Commenting on the increase, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The Scottish child payment is unique to Scotland, the most ambitious child poverty reduction measure in the UK and an important action to mitigate the growing cost emergency.

“Through this year’s Programme for Government we will take every action, within the financial means and legislative powers at our disposal, to help people through this humanitarian crisis that will cost lives.

“The most significant powers to tackle this crisis rest squarely with the UK Government and their inaction has compounded the difficulties everyone is facing."

To apply for the benefit visit here.