Families of an estimated 145,000 children will benefit from extra support this winter to help with cost of living pressures, backed by Scottish Government investment of £18.9 million. First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced on Monday that Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments in December will double from £130 to £260.
Bridging Payments were introduced in 2021 ahead of the extension of the Scottish Child Payment to 6-15 year olds. The final quarterly Bridging Payment will land in bank accounts before the schools stop for Christmas holidays on December 23. The extra support means families will receive up to £650 per eligible child this year.
All children registered to receive Free School Meals on the basis of family low income are eligible and will receive this payment automatically. October Bridging Payments started at the end of September and should all be made by Monday, October 17.
