Families urged to apply for £260 Christmas payment…

Families urged to apply for £260 Christmas payment before deadline this week

Families across the capital are being urged to make sure they do not miss out on a double December Bridging Payment worth £260.

The one-off payment will be made ahead of the Christmas holidays to the families of children registered to receive Free School Meals on the basis of low income report the Record.

The Scottish Government recently said that families have already received up to £390 per child this year through Bridging Payments, with around 145,000 children being supported as of summer 2022.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison is encouraging eligible families to apply before the deadline this week so they can receive the winter Bridging Payment.

The financial support will be paid to families of children in receipt of Free School Meals on November 30, however, parents who register their children by that date will also receive the payment although it may arrive in the New Year.

Ms Robison said: “I urge anyone who is eligible and not already in receipt of Bridging Payments to register for Free School Meals through their local authority as soon as possible to ensure they qualify for the December payment.

“We will provide almost £40 million in support this winter through the December Bridging Payments alone and, while we expect to reach in the region of 145,000 children, we don’t want anyone to miss out.”

The Scottish Government will also open applications for the Scottish Child Payment to all eligible under-16s from Monday November 14, when it will be increased to £25 per eligible child per week - a rise of 150% in less than eight months - find out more here.

Ms Robison continued: “We know the cost of living crisis is having a severe impact on many families, particularly for those on the lowest incomes. With pressures on family budgets increasing it is more important than ever to receive all the help available.

“With limited powers and a finite budget the Scottish Government can only do so much to mitigate the cost of living crisis, but we continue to do as much as possible for the people who need it most.”

Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

How to get £260 December Bridging Payment

Payments are automatic, however, if you have not yet registered for Free School Meals, you must apply before Wednesday, November 30 to receive the December payment of £260.

Below is a list of all Edinburgh and Lothian councils with a direct link to the Free School Meals or Bridging Payments section.