Free school meals, clothing grants
We provide free school meals and £130 (per child) for primary school children and £162 (per child) for secondary school children worth of school footwear and clothing to children whose parents are on certain benefits.
From Monday 24 February, families receiving the Scottish Child Payment will now also be eligible for free school meals for children in primary 6 and primary 7, even if they don't receive any other qualifying benefits.
If your child already receives free school meals based on another qualifying benefit, you do not need to reapply.
Help with costs
As part of a new initiative for the 2024 to 2025 school year, a one-off £50 clothing grant will be available for eligible 3 and 4 year olds attending Early Years Education.
You may qualify for free school meals and a clothing grant/early years payment if you receive one of the following:
- Income Support
- income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
- income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit (where monthly earned income is £850 or less)
You may quality for the clothing grant/early years payment only if you receive:
- Universal Credit (where monthly earned income is £1,670 or less)
You may qualify for free school meals (primary 6 and 7) if you receive:
- Scottish Child Payment