The Scottish Government has provided more than £63.3 million in benefits to Renfrewshire residents.

This support, covering 14 different benefits, was given during the financial year from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.

The payments form part of the £1.9 billion in direct payments made across Scotland.

These were outlined in an analysis published alongside Social Security Scotland’s Annual Report and Accounts. 

The 14 benefits, seven of which are unique to Scotland, aim to help people cope with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The report also highlighted the Winter Heating Payment, given to 400,000 people by February 2024, and the Carer Support Payment, which has replaced the Department for Work and Pensions' Carer’s Allowance.

At the end of March 2024, the Scottish Child Payment was supporting more than 329,000 children and young people.

The benefits are given to carers, disabled people, families, pensioners, young people starting jobs, and those needing help with funeral costs.

Five family payments, including Best Start Foods, the three Best Start Grants, and the Scottish Child Payment, provided £463 million in support to low-income families.

The annual Client Survey showed that 90 per cent of benefit recipients rated their experience as 'very good' or 'good', with 89 per cent saying they were treated with kindness.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said: "We are committed to tackling poverty and supporting people throughout Scotland.

"At a time when families are struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis we have been delivering 14 benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland."

David Wallace, chief executive of Social Security Scotland, said: "While our service has continued to expand significantly, our clients remain at the heart of everything we do.

“As the number of people we serve grows, I am delighted we have maintained high client satisfaction rates with our annual Client Survey showing 90% of people who received a payment from us saying their overall experience was ‘very good’ or ‘good’.”