Free school meals, milk and school clothing grants

Scottish Government funded payments

The Scottish Government funds free school meals payments during school holidays for families with an income-based eligibility to Free School Meals.

If you have applied for and been awarded free school meals and a clothing grant, payment will be made automatically using the payment details we currently hold for you. You do not need to make a separate application for these payments.

If your bank details change, you must tell us immediately using our contact form.

Payments are made just before a school holiday. Holiday payments are £2.50 per child, for each day of the holiday (excluding weekends).

Payments for holidays during the 2023-24 school year

Families who are awarded school grants for the 2023-24 school year will receive additional payments for each child:

  • October 2023 mid-term break (£12.50)
  • Christmas 2023 holiday (£27.50)
  • February 2024 mid-term break (£12.50)
  • Easter 2024 holiday (£30.00).

An extra payment of £7.50 was made for school closures on 26, 27 and 28 September 2023 due to industrial action.

Easter 2024 holiday payment

Families in reciept of Free School Meals before the Easter holiday (Friday 29 March to Monday 15 April 2024) will receive a payment of £30.00 per child. These payments will be made between 18 and 22 March.

You are also eligible for this payment if you apply for and are eligible for school grants on or before 28 March 2024.

Scottish Child Payment

The Scottish Child Payment is available for children up to the age of 15. Find out more about the Scottish Child Payment on the Scottish Government website.

You can apply online at mygov Scotland, the application 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.