Scottish Child Payment and Bridging Payments

You may be able to get Scottish Child Payment if the following apply:

• you live in Scotland; and
• you or your partner are the main person looking after a child who's under 16 years old; and
• you or your partner are in receipt of certain benefits or payments, noted below
  • Universal Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Based)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)

It is important that you make your application as soon as possible. If you already receive Scottish Child Payment for a child under 6 but you have older children, you must contact Social Security Scotland to let them know.

How to apply

You can apply online at www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment, which should take around 10 to 20 minutes in total.

Before applying, you'll need:

• the dates of birth of any children you have
• your partner's details, if you have a partner
• your bank details, if you have an account

If you cannot apply online, you can apply by calling Social Security Scotland on free on 0800 182 2222.

Please be aware that lines may be busy, due to the number of children and families who are newly eligible for this benefit, therefore it may take longer than normal for calls to be answered.

Bridging Payments

The Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payments

Eligible parents/guardians will shortly receive the December Bridging Payment of £260. This will be the final Bridging Payment made as the Scottish Child Payment became available for eligible children aged 6-15 as noted above.

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.

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.

Please keep in mind that no further Bridging Payments will be made by Dumfries and Galloway Council after the Winter payment has been made. These payments were made by Scottish councils on behalf of the Scottish Government while the Scottish Child Bridging Payment was being launched and rolled out for all children.