Free Schools Meals information
Families on low incomes may be eligible to receive free school meals for their children. Please read the information below and contact Mrs Quilter (laura.quilter@westlothian.org.uk) or Mrs Shields (alison.shields@westlothian.org.uk) for more advice and support.
The below link will take you to the West Lothian Council website and the application can be downloaded at the end of the article.
https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/43281/School-Clothing-Grants-Free-School-Meals-Milk
School Clothing Grants, Free School Meals & Milk
Families on low incomes may be eligible to receive free school meals and milk for their children. There are also grants available to help towards the cost of school clothing.
Academic year 2020/2021
Please note that we are not yet in a position to accept applications for the forthcoming 2020/2021 academic year. We will inform parents/guardians by social media along with other methods of communication when we are ready to accept applications.
Academic year 2019/2020
Families in receipt of the following will be eligible for Free School Meals and a Clothing Grant:
- Income Support / Pension Credit
- Income-based Jobseekers' Allowance
- Any Income-Related element of Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit and/or Child Tax Credit with an annual income of £6,900 or less
- Universal Credit where "take-home pay" does not exceed £610.
Families in receipt of the following will be eligible for a Clothing Grant only
- Working Tax Credit and/or Child Tax Credit with an annual income of £16,105 or less
- Universal Credit where "take-home pay" does not exceed £1,342.
All children in primary 1, 2 and 3 will receive free school lunches, regardless of financial circumstances, however families who are in receipt of the above benefits should complete an application to ensure their child receives free milk and a clothing grant.
How to apply?
School Pupils
Applications for the 2019/2020 academic year are now open and can be made by completing our online form. You may need to send us evidence of your benefits to support your application. Any Tax Credit Award Notices should show a confirmed income for 2018/2019.
Emails/letters from Education Services and school Group Call texts will be sent to parents, as a reminder to apply, however applications can be made at any time. We will contact families directly if we already know they are in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
Nursery Children
If your child attends one of our early learning and childcare establishments for full day provision, and you are eligible for free school meals, a lunch will be provided on the days your child attends. You can apply using the link below;
Clothing grants are not paid to children attending early learning and childcare.
Special School
Free school meals are provided to all pupils who attend the following schools
Beatlie School Campus, Cedarbank School, Pinewood School, Connolly School Campus and Ogilvie School Campus. Pupils attending any of West Lothian's autism resources will also receive free school meals.
Parents in receipt of qualifying benefits, whose children attend the above schools, should complete an application to apply for a school clothing grant.
If you are having any issues with our online form please do not hesitate to contact us on 01506 281952 or email EducationBenefits@westlothian.gov.uk Alternatively you can speak to staff in your child's school office for assistance.
Application Process
We aim to assess all applications within 7 working days of receipt and we will notify you of our decision by email. If your child has been granted free school meals and milk the school their school will be automatically advised. Normally, clothing grants will be paid into your specified bank account within 7 days of our assessment.
How much clothing grant will I receive?
The current grants are £125 for each primary school aged pupil and £135 for pupils of secondary school age.
Students with a date of birth between 01/03/2003 and 30/09/2003 will not be eligible for a clothing grant however they may apply for EMA payments
I have already received a clothing grant this year but my child needs new uniform. Where can I go for help?
We would recommend that you speak to your child's school. Many schools run a clothing store or your school may be able to make a referral to the West Lothian school bank. This charity provides school uniform and clothing to families in need.
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