Families whose children receive free school meals will also receive a £100 payment from the Scottish Government's winter Co vid fund.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to announce a £100million winter fund to help struggling families through the c covid crisis in her keynote speech at the SNP conference.
In February, the Scottish Government is bringing in a £10 week a payment for children in low income families – with Ms Sturgeon to say that Scotland is the “only part of the UK” to take such action.
The First Minister wants the cash to be used to help tackle “deep-seated” poverty and inequality.
It will also be used to help low-income households with fuel bills and to support those who are homeless or lonely and isolated during the winter months.
Despite this, Ms Sturgeon knows “families are struggling now” and that “February is a long way off”.
She will say: “I am announcing today a £100million package to bridge that gap, and help others struggling most with the impact of covid over the winter months.
“It will include money to help people pay their fuel bills and make sure children don’t go hungry.
“It will offer additional help for the homeless, and fund an initiative to get older people online and connected.
“And, most importantly of all, it will provide a cash grant of £100 for every family with children in receipt of free school meals.
“The money will be paid before Christmas and families can use it for whatever will help them through the winter. That could be food, new shoes or a winter coat for the kids.
“Families will know best what they need. That’s not for government to decide.”
