Help with Meal Costs for Kids During the October Holidays

Glasgow, Scotland – October 08, 2024:

If your family normally receives free school meals during term time, you should automatically start receiving payments to help cover meal costs during the October holidays.

This support provides £2.50 per day, per child, which, over the half-term break, adds up to around £20 per child, depending on where you live.

To qualify for this assistance, you generally need to be receiving certain benefits, such as:

• Universal Credit (with a monthly earned income of no more than £796)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Additionally, you may qualify if you receive Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and your income is below £19,995, or if you receive both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an income of up to £9,552.

Haven’t Applied for Free School Meals Yet?

If you haven’t applied for free school meals yet or have recently started claiming benefits due to a change in your circumstances, it’s worth applying now. You don’t need to wait for the next school term to receive this support. The assistance also covers holidays throughout the year, including Christmas, Easter, and the summer break.

How to Apply

To apply for free school meals and holiday meal support, contact your local council or visit mygov.scot. The application form typically takes about 20 minutes to complete.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help with the application, the welfare advisers at advice.scot are available to assist you. Contact the team at 0808 800 9060 or chat live on our website.

Don’t miss out on this essential support for your family during the holidays!

NOTES

You can access free, impartial advice on any topic from advice.scot by contacting 0808 800 9060 or by visiting www.advice.scot. Advice is available to everyone in Scotland, at no cost, regardless of personal circumstance.