Thousands of families who live in Scotland will receive an extra £130 cash payment this winter.
Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments are being awarded to low-income households with children who receive free school meals, to help with the rising cost of living.
The final Bridging Payment, due in December, will now be doubled from £130 to £260.
It means families will receive up to £650 per eligible child this year, on top of three other separate £130 payments.
It is estimated that 145,000 families will receive the £260 just before Christmas.
Bridging Payments were introduced in 2021 ahead of the extension of the Scottish Child Payment to six to 15 year olds.
The boosted £260 payment comes on top of weekly Scottish Child Payments, which will be extended to all eligible under-16s from November 14 and increased from £20 to £25 a week.
Who is eligible for the extra cash
Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments are given to families in Scotland who are on a low income and in receipt of free school meals.
You might also get the payment if you're experiencing financial hardship.
In Scotland, free school meals are provided to children up to year five.
These payments are available for each child who gets free school meals because of low income.
If you’re eligible for a Bridging Payment, the money will be paid automatically to you by your council.
If you've not yet registered for free school meals, you can do it now to receive the December payment of £260.
You may also still qualify for the October payment but it depends between councils.
In Scotland, you can get free school meals for your child if you claim the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (where your monthly earned income is not more than £660)
- Income Support
- income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
- income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Your child is also entitled to free school lunches if you get:
- Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £17,005
- Both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and have an income of up to £7,920
Contact your school or local council to find out more.
