If your child is in Primary 1 to Primary 5 or attends a special school
Free school meals are offered to ALL pupils in Primary 1 to Primary 5, and pupils attending a special school, without the need for parents/carers to submit an application form. However, an application form must be completed if you also require a school clothing grant for your child.
Don't forget to submit an application form for free school meals for your child when he/she moves into Primary 6 as they will no longer be automatically entitled to free school meals.
If your child is Primary 6 or above
You can claim free school meals and a school clothing grant for your child(ren) if you are receiving:
- Income support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit with a monthly earned income of not more than £850
If you are aged 16 to 18 years and receive any of these benefits in your own right, you can claim free school meals for yourself.
From 17 March 2025, families of Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils who are not currently eligible for free school meals but who are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment will now be eligible for free school meals. You can claim free school meals for Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils by submitting an online application form and providing proof of your Scottish Child Payment
Parents/Carers in receipt of a qualifying benefit will receive an annual school clothing grant of £126 per child in primary school and £157.50 per child in secondary school.
Please note assistance with school clothing/footwear is not awarded to nursery pupils. Children aged 16 years and over who are eligible to apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance will NOT be entitled to a clothing grant.
For more information on Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, visit the Inland Revenue website.
How do I apply for free school meals and a school clothing grant?
Applications for free school meals and assistance with school clothing/footwear for school session 2025 to 2026 will open from 1 July 2025.
Applications are now part of our wider 'Apply Once' application form where you can find out what other benefits administered by the Council you are entitled to receive.
Alternatively, application forms are available from any Perth and Kinross Council school or from Pullar House, 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth.
Supporting evidence from Jobcentre Plus must be dated within 6 weeks of the date of your claim. Universal Credit statements must relate to your most recent or upcoming payment.
A photograph or screenshot of your evidence taken from your smart phone is acceptable.
In order to avoid delays please check that all information requested is included with your application.
Claims for free school meals cannot be backdated and entitlement will start from the date valid applications are approved by Education and Learning.
Any parents/carers who would like further information about this or school meals in general should please contact the ECS Catering Support team at ECSCateringSupport@pkc.gov.uk.
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