Households across the country on a low income will receive a £320 boost per child between now and Christmas.
After committing to address child poverty in Scotland, the government will be aiming to ensure that every eligible family with children who attend school will receive a payment of £160 for each child in both October and December.
It follows on from two previous £100 payments that were made earlier this year, bringing the complete total for 2021 up to £520, as reported by the Daily Record.
READ MORE - Universal Credit claimants offered free Openreach superfast broadband connection service
These Bridging Payments are being made while the Scottish Government prepares to roll out the Scottish Child Payment Scheme to all eligible children between the age of 6 and 16 - currently only those under six receive the payment.
By the end of 2022, all eligible children between these ages will receive £10 per week, but in the meantime they are being issued quarterly Bridging Payments.
The government also announced plans to double the money all recipients of the Scottish Child Payment Scheme receive to £20 a week.
Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison stated: “We are determined to build a better future for Scotland’s children and we know how important these payments will be to families in need this winter - particularly with rising fuel bills and Christmas just around the corner.
“Together the Scottish Child Payment and Bridging Payments will put an estimated £130 million in the pockets of low income families this year, providing support as we recover from the pandemic.”
She added: “Scottish Child Payment is already the most ambitious anti-poverty measure currently being undertaken anywhere in the UK and we have committed to doubling it to £20-a-week per child as soon as possible in this parliamentary term.
“It stands in stark contrast to the indefensible move by the UK Government to withdraw £20-a-week in Universal Credit from those who need it most.”
Councillor Gail Macgregor, Resources spokesperson for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, said: “Councils are pleased to be able to ensure that eligible low income families have access to an additional £520 this year and next through these Bridging Payments.
“It is important families who have been hardest hit by the pandemic have these vital additional funds as we move forward with the challenging recovery process.”
Satwat Rehman, CEO of One Parent Families Scotland, added: “The Bridging Payments have been a welcome support to many single parent families supported by One Parent Families Scotland, many of whom are struggling to make choices between heating their homes and feeding their children and themselves.
“These payments send a message to families that the Scottish Government is aware of their challenges and is actively trying to address them.”
What are Bridging Payments?
Bridging Payments are made for each child in receipt of free school meals due to low income and are distributed by local authorities.
In 2022, four equal payments of £130 will be made to eligible families at Easter, summer, October and Christmas to align with the start of school holidays.
