Free school meals and clothing grants
Free school meals
All children in Primary 1 to 5 receive free school meals.
From February 2025 the Scottish Government extended this offer to pupils in P6 and P7 who receive the Scottish Child Payment but do not currently get Free School Meals.
Parents/carers of P6 and P7 eligible pupils are invited to apply. Your child’s school lunch will be free if you get Scottish Child Payment, but you will NOT be entitled to the clothing grant, holiday payments or free school milk. Milk will still need to be paid for in the normal way.
There is no limit on the number of children in a family that can receive the payment, but we need to verify the paperwork for each named child.
Support with school uniform
All low-income families can apply for support with school uniform. This is paid in regular payments throughout the year.
- £120 for primary pupils per year
- £150 for secondary pupils per year
Read the school uniform and clothing guidance
Apply for support
Who does not need to apply
You may not need to apply as we contact families automatically in July if they get:
- Midlothian Council Housing Benefit or Council Tax reduction
- and either
- Income Support
- Income based Job Seekers Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
Who does need to apply
If you do not receive a letter in July you will need to apply at the start of the new school year. You can apply for a child or if you are aged 16-18 and live on your own you can apply for yourself.
| Criteria | Evidence required |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit, with monthly Take Home Pay up to £796 | Online journal full statement including your Take Home Pay |
| Child Tax Credit only, with annual income up to £19,995 | HMRC Award letter 2024/25 |
| Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, with annual income up to £9,552 | HMRC Award letter 2024/25 |
| Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 | TC602 letter |
| Scottish Child Payment | Clear photo of your Scottish Child Payment award should be emailed to fsm@midlothian.gov.uk. You will also be asked for your child's name, date of birth, school and year group |
You can only apply for the current school year. Please DO NOT apply for the next school year in August as your application will not be processed.
Apply for free school meals and clothing grant