Families across Scotland are being urged to make sure they do not miss out on a double December Bridging Payment of £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.
The Scottish Government 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 December school holidays so they can also receive the winter Bridging Payment.
The financial support will be paid to families of children in receipt of Free School Meals on November 30. Payments for children who are subsequently registered and become eligible ahead of the Christmas holidays will be made as soon as possible 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 - f ind 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.”
How to get £260 December Bridging Payment
Payments are automatic, however, if you have not yet registered for Free School Meals, you can do it now to receive the December payment of £260.
Below is a list of all 32 Scottish councils with a direct link to the Free School Meals or Bridging Payments section.
December Bridging Payments
Inverclyde Council
- £260 on or around December 14
Renfrewshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
West Dunbartonshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
East Dunbartonshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Glasgow City Council
- £260 before December school holidays
East Renfrewshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
North Lanarkshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Falkirk Council
- £260 by December 21
West Lothian Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Edinburgh City Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Midlothian Council
- £260 before December school holidays
East Lothian Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Clackmannanshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Fife Council
- £260 before December school holidays
- £50 additional payment for kids' winter coats - This is an additional payment that will be automatically paid into the bank accounts of those entitled to the free school meals and clothing grant. You do not need to apply for this payment if you already get the free school meals and clothing grant.
Dundee City Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Angus Council
- £260 on or around December 23
Aberdeenshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Aberdeen City Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Moray Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Highland Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles Council)
- £260 before December school holidays
Argyll and Bute Council
- £260 by December 23
Perth and Kinross Council
- £260 by December 23
Stirling Council
£260 by December 23
North Ayrshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
East Ayrshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
South Ayrshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Dumfries and Galloway Council
- £260 before December school holidays
South Lanarkshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Scottish Borders Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Orkney Islands Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Shetland Islands Council
- £260 before December school holidays
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