Free school meals
P1-P5
All children in P1-P5 will receive a free school meal automatically during term time.
If you meet the income criteria and have a child in P1-P5 you should still apply for free school meals. The Scottish Government provide additional funding to schools based on pupils who are entitled to free school meals. We will also be able to consider you for any further support available during school holidays, as you must meet the income criteria and have applied to be eligible.
P6-S6
To be eligible for free school meals for children in P6-S6, you or the pupil must meet the relevant eligibility criteria below and apply.
School clothing grant
The award of clothing grants is to assist with the cost of school clothing for families who are on a qualifying benefit and have a child attending P1-S6.
The award for a school clothing grant for 2024-25 is £120 per child for a primary school pupil and £150 per child for a secondary school pupil. This is paid once per qualifying child, per academic year from July to 31 March the following year.
School clothing grant payments
Clothing grant payments are usually paid directly to the applicants bank account. Payments will normally be made two/three weeks after you submit your application and provide any supporting evidence required.
If you have applied for a child starting P1, or a child returning to school for S5-S6, we must wait for the school to confirm your child’s attendance. As a result, payment for those children will be delayed until schools return.
Qualifying criteria
Free school meals
- Income Support
- Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, with an annual income less than £19,995
- both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an annual income of up to £9,552
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit with monthly earnings not exceeding £796
School clothing and footwear grant
- Council Tax Reduction (based on income assessment)
- Income Support
- Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit and/or Child Tax Credit with an income less than £19,995
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit with monthly earnings not exceeding £796
How to apply
Apply using our online application form.
Applications for Clothing Grants will close on 31 March each year.
Applications for Free School Meals will close on the last day of term each year.
Applications for the 2024/25 Academic year starting August 2024 are now open.
How to renew
If you have received free school meals/clothing grants during the previous school year, you will receive a renewal letter advising you when you can reapply. Use the reference number quoted on your renewal letter when reapplying.
Verification required
The application form will advise you of the evidence required to support your application based on the criteria selected.