Free School Meal Holiday Payments
Primary and Secondary pupils only
Free School Meal payments will be made to cover school holidays for pupils in P1 – S6 who are registered for Free School Meals. School leavers are not eligible to receive a payment.
The table below outlines the schedule of payments
|
Free School Meal Payment |
Amount |
Date payment to be made |
|
Christmas Holiday Payment
|
£23.00
|
18 December 2024 for those currently registered and eligible before 6 December 2024. New applications received and processed between 7 December 2024 and 20 December 2024 will receive payment by 17 January 2025 Any new applications received after 20 December 2024 will not be eligible to receive the Free School Meal Holiday Payment. |
Children receiving universal free school meals (those in P1-P5 not qualifying for free school meals) are not eligible to receive Free School Meal Payments.
New applications for free school meals are invited if you have not applied previously: find out whether you are eligible online or email freeschoolmeals@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Move to Scottish Child Payment
The Scottish Child Payment is currently available for 6-15 year olds.
From 14 November 2022, the Scottish Child Payment will be expanded to 6 to 15 year olds. The payment is £25 per week for each child up to the age of 16. The Scottish Child Payment is delivered by Social Security Scotland.
It is not possible to automatically transfer from the Scottish Child Bridging Payments to the Scottish Child Payment. You must apply to Social Security Scotland from 14 November 2022.
To find out more about this and to apply please visit www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222