Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments December 2022 - Final Bridging Payment

Dumfries and Galloway Council will shortly pay the December Bridging Payment for each P1 to S6 pupil who are entitled to Free School Meals based on their parent/guardian being in receipt of a low income or qualifying benefit.

The payment can be used by families for any purpose they see fit. There is no expectation that these payments are to be used for any specific purpose.

The December payment will be for £260 per qualifying child. This will be the final Bridging Payment made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

This is because the Scottish Child Payment became available for eligible children under the age of 16 as of 14 November 2022.

If you believe you are eligible for the Scottish Child Payment and have not already applied, it is important that you do so now. Delaying your application may mean that you miss out on money that you would otherwise be entitled to.

You can apply for the Scottish Child Payment online at www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment or by calling Social Security Scotland on free on 0800 182 2222.

If you have already made your application or notified of a change in circumstance if you received the payment for younger children, Social Security Scotland will be in touch shortly in relation to your application.

Who will receive the December Bridging Payment?

• Children in P1-P5 who are eligible due to low income or qualifying benefits only. Children in P1-P5 who receive Universal Free School Meals but do not meet the financial qualifying conditions for Free School Meals are not eligible for these additional payments.
• Children in P6-S6 who receive Free School Meals will be eligible for the payment.
• Pre-school aged children are not eligible for this additional payment. The Scottish Child Payment is available for children under the age of 6 - to find out more about this and to apply please visit Scottish Child Payment - mygov.scot

Is the payment per family or per child?

• A payment of £260 will be made for each eligible child in the household.

How will I receive the payment?

• Payment will be made automatically for all children entitled to receive Free School Meals. There is no need to reapply, as we will use the payment details we currently hold for you.
• If your payment details have changed since you received your School Clothing Grant, you must tell us as soon as possible using this form: Free School Meals Application Form

When will I receive the payment?

• We cannot guarantee when payments will be paid to your account, but we had made every effort to have them with you by 16 December. Unforeseen delays have meant that payments are hoped to be with you by Tuesday 20 December. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.
• All eligible children who apply for and are awarded Free School Meals after Friday 16 December, but before the end of term on Friday 23 December, will receive payment after the schools return for the new term.

I have not applied for Free School Meals, but I think I qualify. Will I get the payment?

• To qualify for the December Scottish Child Bridging Payment your application for Free School Meals must be submitted by the end of school term on Friday 23 December 2022.
• New applications can be made online using our existing Clothing Grant and Free School Meals application form: Free School Meals Application form

The application is quick and easy to complete. You will need your National Insurance Number and bank account details.

You may be asked to provide proof of your eligibility. For example, if you are in receipt of Universal Credit you will need to provide a screenshot of your most recent assessment period showing your full award. If you receive Child Tax Credit, you will need to provide a copy of your Tax Credit Letter of Award when you apply.

Effect on other benefits

• If you receive Universal Credit, then this payment will be counted as capital. This will not normally affect the amount you receive unless you have savings or other capital totalling over £6,000. If you are concerned that this payment could impact your Universal Credit award, you should report the payment in your journal by signing into your Universal Credit account or by calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
• This payment will be disregarded in full for other benefits and for income tax purposes.
• Other relevant information