Free school meals, clothing grants

We provide free school meals and £130 (per child) for primary school children and £162 (per child) for secondary school children worth of school footwear and clothing to children whose parents are on certain benefits.

From Monday 24 February, families who are not currently eligible for free school meals but are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment will be eligible to access free school meals for primary 6 and 7 pupils.

Currently, the Scottish Government’s universal free school meal provision covers all primary 1 to primary 5 pupils. That provision is now expanding to include this wider group of children, meaning that even more children across North Ayrshire will be entitled to a free school meal during term time.

The application form opens on Monday 3 February and those who successfully register will then be in receipt of the free school meals from Monday 24 February 2025. Apply online by using the apply for grant button below.

We may be able to help you with these school costs if your child attends primary or secondary school and you receive one of the following:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit only (with income under £19,995)
• both Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit (with an income up to £9,552)
• Universal Credit where the monthly earned income does not exceed £796
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Scottish Child Payment (primary 6 and 7 only)

Families will be eligible for a Clothing Grant only if in receipt of one of the following:

• Working Tax Credit and/or Child Tax Credit with an annual income of £19,995 or less
• Universal Credit with monthly earned income of not more than £1,670
• Council Tax Reduction/Housing Benefit