Scottish Government funded payments
The Scottish Government funds free school meals payments during school holidays for families with an income-based eligibility to free school meals.
If you have applied for and been awarded free school meals and a clothing grant, payment will be made automatically using the payment details we currently hold for you. You do not need to make a separate application for these payments.
If your bank details change, you must tell us immediately using our contact form.
Payments are made just before a school holiday. Holiday payments are £2.50 per child, for each day of the holiday excluding weekends.
Payments for holidays during the 2024/25 school year
Families who are awarded school grants for the 2024-25 school year will receive additional payments for each child:
- October 2024 mid-term break - £15.00
- Christmas 2024 holiday - £27.50
- February 2025 mid-term break - £12.50
- Easter 2025 holiday - £27.50
Christmas 2024 holiday payment
Families in receipt of free school meals received a payment of £27.50 per child on 9 December 2024.
Families who applied before 20 December and are awarded will also receive this payment.
Scottish Child Payment
The Scottish Child Payment is available for children up to the age of 15. Find out more about the Scottish Child Payment on the Scottish Government website.
You can apply for the Scottish Child Payment on mygov Scotland, the application should take around 10 to 20 minutes in total. Before applying, you'll need
- the dates of birth of any children you have
- your partner's details, if you have a partner
- your bank details, if you have an account.
If you cannot apply online, you can apply by phoning Social Security Scotland for free on 0800 182 2222.