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 in October 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.
At the time of the announcement, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Rather than looking forward to Christmas, too many families will be dreading it because they don’t know if they can afford to heat their homes or even pay for food.
“As part of our help to the poorest families over last year and this, ahead of rolling out the Scottish Child Payment to under 16s, we have made quarterly Bridging Payments of £130 to children and young people in receipt of Free School Meals.
“I am delighted that the Scottish Government will double the December Payment from £130 to £260.
“That will help put food on the Christmas table for families of 145,000 children and young people. I don’t pretend it will make all of their worries go away - no government with our limited powers can ever do that. But I hope this investment of almost £20 million will bring a bit of Christmas cheer to those who need it most.”
How to get £260 December Bridging Payment
Payments are automatic, however, to get the £260 before Christmas you should have registered for Free School Meals by November 30.
But all is not lost as most councils will pay the money out in early January if you are late registering your child., but it's recommended you do it as soon as possible to ensure you qualify for the support.
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 is being paid on 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
- £275 from December 2
East Renfrewshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
North Lanarkshire Council
- £260 from December 16
Falkirk Council
- £260 from December 21
West Lothian Council
- £260 before December school holidays
- £80 winter clothing grant on January 27
Edinburgh City Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Midlothian Council
- £260 from December 15
East Lothian Council
- £260 from December 12
Clackmannanshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Fife Council
- £260 from December 14
Dundee City Council
- £260 from December 19
Angus Council
- £260 on or around December 23
Aberdeenshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Aberdeen City Council
- £260 on or around December 23
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 from December 22
Stirling Council
£260 December 16
North Ayrshire Council
- £260 from December 19
East Ayrshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
South Ayrshire Council
- £260 before December school holidays
Dumfries and Galloway Council
- £260 by December 16
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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