Under a new expansion plan, more children are set to benefit from free school meals in Glasgow.
Children who are currently in Primary 6 and 7 can now benefit and comes amid a new expansion plan with those eligible for the £25 Scottish Child Payment.
It also comes as the council is set to receive £2.2 million Scottish Government funding from April 1 for the year ahead to pay for the extra dinners.
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Although the exact roll out date has not been confirmed, it's said around 20,000 additional children around Scotland will benefit from getting the meals.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Universal free school meals are available for all pupils in primaries one to five, and in special schools – the best universal provision anywhere in the UK, and saving parents around £400 per eligible child per year.
“Our additional investment announced in the 2023 to 2024 Budget will continue to fund the expansion of free school meals for all Primary 6 and 7 pupils in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment. This will be the next step in fulfilling our commitment to universal provision in primary schools.
“We will work in partnership with local government to deliver our shared commitment.”
But who is eligible for Glasgow's free school meals? Here is everything that you need to know...
Who is eligible for Glasgow's free school meals
Your child can get free lunches in school if you get:
- Universal Credit (where your monthly earned income is not more than £660)
- Income Support
- Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Your child is also entitled to free school lunches if you get:
- Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, and your income is less than £17,005
- Both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit and have an income of up to £7,920
According to the Glasgow City Council website, the following people can also benefit from free school meals in the city and ask for the following information:
- Both Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit with a household income of £7920 or less. You should enclose a copy of your recent award letter showing your household income and detailing your children's names.
- Universal Credit with a monthly earned income of not more than £660. You should supply a copy of your most recent statement or screen print showing your 'pay for the period'.
- Child Tax Credit only with an annual income of less than £17,005. You should provide a copy of your 2021/2022 child tax credit award letter detailing your child(ren)'s names and your annual income.
- Income related Employment and Support Allowance. You should provide a copy of your award letter dated within the past three months.
They add: "Asylum Seeker, receiving support under part IV of the Immigration Act 1999. Please provide a valid/current Application Registration Card (ARC), BAIL201 Letter or Mears Tenancy Agreement."
They also say that people claiming Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance should enclose a copy of your award letter dated within the past three months.
Who is not eligible?
Children at independent schools and home-educated children are not entitled to free school meals.
Can 16-18 year olds benefit from free school meals?
Yes. If you fall into this age range and receive any of the above benefits in your own right, you can claim free school lunches.
How to claim free lunches if you're not getting benefits or tax credits
Your child may be able to get free lunches in school, early learning or childcare if you're experiencing financial hardship.
This could be due to your immigration status meaning you cannot get help from the government or because you're still waiting on your first Universal Credit notice. The Scottish Government ask that you contact your local council for more information.
What happens during strike days?
Glasgow City Council state on their website that free school meal payments of £2.50 per day will be made retrospectively to eligible families directly into bank accounts. This is alongside Easter holiday payments which are set to happen at the end of March 2023.
If you received the winter payment in December or been eligible for FSM since then you do not need to apply with the council stating that they will pay you automatically.
How to apply for free school meals
You can apply for free school meals on your local council's website. You may be able to apply for help with school clothing costs at the same time.
Scottish Child Payment is a £25 weekly benefit for every child aged under 16 for low income families. Parents or carers are eligible if they get certain benefits. More information and details on how to apply for the Scottish Child Payment are available at: www.mygov.scot/scottish-child-payment or call Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222.
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