RESIDENTS of Inverclyde received a total of £9.7 million in benefits in the last financial year.

Payments were made across 13 benefits – seven of which are unique to Scotland – to support families, carers and disabled people across the country.

Social Security Scotland’s annual report states that a total of £4.04 billion was paid across Scotland between April 1 last year and March 31.

Social justice minister Shirley-Anne Sommerville said: “We are supporting families across the country at a time where they are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and higher energy bills.

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"We now deliver 13 benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland, and are delivering these payments while treating people with dignity, fairness and respect. 

“Our decision to expand the Scottish Child Payment to all eligible young people under the age of 16 and increase the payment to £25 per week means we are supporting more than 300,000 children and making a significant contribution to tackling child poverty.  

“As we prepare to launch our 14th benefit, we are committed to making sure that people get the money they are entitled to and that people who are eligible know how to apply for our payments.”