The families of around 140,000 children will get extra financial support this Christmas as the cost of living crisis continues to worsen.
After an investment of £18.9 million from the Scottish Government, Nicola Sturgeon announced in October that Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments would rise from £130 to £260 in December.
As the Daily Record reports, Bridging Payments were introduced in 2021 before the extension of the Scottish Child Payment to those between the ages of six and 15.
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The final 2022 Bridging Payment will be issued to eligible households prior to schools breaking up for Christmas at the end of the year. Through the payments, families may receive up to £650 throughout the year for each of their children who is eligible.
If your child is registered to receive free school meals due to a low household income, then you should be issued the payment automatically.
The First Minister previously 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
The payment will be made automatically to eligible families who are registered to receive free school meals. If you are not registered, you can do so now to get the December payment.
More information can be found on the Glasgow City Council website.
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