Free school meal and clothing allowance applications now open

Applications are now open for academic year 2024-2025 and we want to remind families in Orkney to check whether or not they may be entitled to free school meals and/or school clothing allowance. 

Pupils are eligible if their families receive any of the following benefits or support: 

• Income Support. 

• Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance. 

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance. 

• Universal Credit where the monthly earned income does not exceed £796 

• Child Tax Credit only – income must be under £19,995 

• Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit – income must be under £9,552 

• Support under Part VI of Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. 

Children attending nursery for full days and children in P1-P5 are automatically entitled to receive free school meals. However, families may be eligible for a clothing allowance for their child if they are in receipt of any of the above benefits. Please note those attending nursery are not eligible for a clothing grant.  

The clothing grant is £150 for an eligible secondary student and £120 for an eligible primary school pupil. 

The Council’s 2024/2025 applications for both allowances are open and can be applied for via the Council website's School Benefit page. 

For anyone who is unable to access the online application form they can visit Customer Services or call 01856 873535 to receive a paper copy form. Anyone having difficulty filling out the forms should contact the Council Offices and ask for Leanne Tait on 01856 873535 extension 2422 or Heather Manson on extension 2416. 

Applications require to be made every year. 

Further information is available here on the Council website's School Meals and Clothing Allowances page.