Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments
The Scottish Government
The Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments bring together the Covid hardship payments and the Family Pandemic Payment into one payment, made 4 times a year. These payments are available for each child who gets free school meals because of low income.
You could get the payment if you meet the eligibility criteria for free school meals. This is usually because you're on a low income or getting certain benefits. Check the full eligibility criteria for free school meals if you're not sure.
You might also get the payment if you're experiencing financial hardship. For example, if: -you're waiting for your first Universal Credit payment -your immigration status means you cannot get help from the government
If your child gets free school meals because you're on a low income and get a qualifying benefit you do not need to apply for it. Your local council will make the payment to you automatically.
You have to apply for free school meals to get the payment if you meet the eligibility criteria for them and: -you have never applied before or had help with school meals during the school holidays -your child gets universal free school meals in primary 1 to 5 Contact your local council to apply for school meals and get the payment.
In 2022, 4 equal payments of £130 will be made at Easter, Summer, October and Christmas. The payments will be made in line with the start of the school holidays.
Who can get it? You could get the payment if you meet the eligibility criteria for free school meals. This is usually because you're on a low income or getting certain benefits. Check the full eligibility criteria for free school meals if you're not sure.
You might also get the payment if you're experiencing financial hardship. For example, if: -you're waiting for your first Universal Credit payment -your immigration status means you cannot get help from the government
You can't get these payments if your child is in early learning and childcare (nursery). The Scottish Child Payment is available for children under the age of 6.