All P1-5 pupils attending school are entitled to free school meals. If you are entitled to means tested free school meals you should still make an application for children P1-5 so that you can be considered for payments which cover the holiday periods. P6 & P7 pupils are entitled to free school meals if you are getting Scottish child payment. For other pupils, parent or carer getting Universal Credit and earning no more than £850 in the monthly assessment period before you apply.
Who qualifies
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. 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. Income Support, Income based Job Seeker’s Allowance, any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Universal Credit with monthly earnings not exceeding £850, You have a child in Primary six (P6) or Primary seven (P7) and receive the Scottish Child Payment for the child.
More information
Applications for the 2025/26 Academic year starting August 2025 are now open.
