Most vulnerable families in Orkney to receive early Christmas cash present

For the second year running, Christmas will come early for many of Orkney’s most vulnerable families with a cash direct payment totalling £260 for every child entitled to free school meals.

Councillors in Orkney have, once again, agreed to top up the £160 Scottish Government COVID Hardship payment by a further £100.

The cash boost, which will benefit 254 children in Orkney from P1-S6 (nursery children are not eligible), will be paid directly to families before Christmas and those receiving it will be able to use it for whatever they need.

This payment is per child, not per household, and for those families on a low income only – so a family with three eligible children will receive £780.

Children who receive a free school meal through the universal provision are not entitled to this payment.

OIC Leader Councillor James Stockan said: “We continue to find ourselves living through these extraordinary times, and we know that our most vulnerable families in Orkney are likely to be worst hit. That is why we as a Council have universally decided to make a supplementary payment of £100 on top of the Government grant.

“This additional £25,400 will come from a discretionary grant we hold from the Scottish Government. Our officials are to be commended for their swift response in ensuring this additional money will be with our most vulnerable families ahead of Christmas.”

In addition, Councillor Stockan appealed for families who may be eligible for free school meals in Orkney to come forward to check to see if they qualify.

“We are fearful there are families out there who are missing out on free school meals, and now these additional payments, due to a misconception of there being a stigma attached. Please be reassured the system we have in place has already been commended by other parents and carers who have applied as being subtle and ensures complete privacy.

“As a result of previous appeals we have had many, many more families come forward and benefit – but there may still be more out there who could qualify. We know from previous rounds of awards that some families sitting just above the cusp of qualifying for free school meals find this very frustrating and we would urge those families to check with all available avenues that they are receiving all benefits to which they are entitled.

“I again urge people to please check – your circumstances may have changed slightly that may mean you are now entitled. This is our chance as a Council to do something additional to help individuals.”

The Scottish Government COVID Hardship Payment of £160 per eligible child was announced as part of the First Minister’s Winter Plan for Social Protection.

No application for the payment is required if children are already in receipt of free school meals due to low income.

Those to benefit from the full £260 for each child must be in receipt of free school meal entitlement. You can still apply for this between now and 21 December 2021. However, if you miss the date and think you may be eligible for free school meals there is still time to come forward and any newly eligible claimants will qualify for the Council top up payment of £100 per child.

Councillor Stockan added: “Even if it is too late for new claimants to benefit from the Scottish Government grant, we as a Council will honour the additional £100 for new claimants.”

Cash payments will be made wherever possible. The additional payments will have no impact on benefits already paid.

Applications can be made online via MyOrkney at www.orkney.gov.uk/School-Benefit or call the Council's Customer Services team on 01856873535 for a paper application form.