Service update
Application forms for 2025/2026 will be available from mid-June.
Anyone who still receives Housing Benefit (not housing element of UC) and/or Council Tax Reduction (not discount) from last year will be paid automatically this year.
All others can apply when the form is available.
You may be entitled to apply for free school meals if your child attends a North Lanarkshire school.
All Primary 1 to 5 children are automatically entitled to receive a free school meal.
Scottish Child Payment
All P6 and P7 children who receive Scottish Child Payment who do not receive free school meals under the eligibility entitlement can apply by completing the application form. Please complete the application form and no evidence is required.
Applying for free school meals and clothing grant
Clothing grant payments will be made automatically for families who currently receive a council tax reduction for children detailed on their claim. This is for claimants who have previously applied and provided permission to check our records.
A text message/email will be sent once payment has been made.
If you have changed your bank details, you must inform us immediately to avoid your payment being delayed. Please provide a new sort code and account number along with your name, address, and national insurance number.
You have previously given us permission to check our records to see if your child/children are entitled to education benefits. If you change your mind and no longer wish us to check your records, please let us know. You will still be able to apply manually.
The deadline for school clothing grant applications for this school academic year is 31 March 2026.
All other applications for free school meals and/or clothing grants need to be submitted annually for each new academic year. Please see the eligibility details in the table below.
Payments
Applications will be processed as soon as possible. We will then contact you with a payment date.
For session 2025-2026 the clothing grant is:
- £155 for primary school pupils
- £180 for secondary pupils
Payment will be made by BACS payment directly into your bank/building society account.
If you have any problems regarding your payment you should call the team 01698 403203 or email fsm@northlan.gov.uk
Only one clothing grant will be paid for any pupil during a school year.
Eligibility
| Benefits received | School meals | Clothing grant | Proof required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Support | Yes | Yes | Letter confirming entitlement to benefit |
| Job Seekers Allowance (Income-based) | Yes | Yes | Letter confirming entitlement to benefit |
| Employment & Support Allowance (Income Related) | Yes | Yes | Letter confirming entitlement to benefit |
| Universal Credit (earned income reported by employer of £850) | Yes | Yes | Letter confirming entitlement to benefit |
| Support under V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 | Yes | No | Confirmation letter/Home Office |
| Housing Benefit (housing element of Universal Credit is not housing benefit) | No | Yes | Current Letter to show receipt of Housing Benefit |
| Council Tax Reduction (Single persons discount/exemption is not council tax reduction) | No | Yes | Current Letter to show receipt of Council Tax rebate |
| P6 & P7 Scottish Child Payment | Yes | No | None |
Your child can also receive free school meals if they are the subject of a kinship care, guardianship order or if they are, or have been at any point since their second birthday, 'looked after'.
Students aged between 16 and 18 who receive any of the qualifying benefits can apply for free school meals in their own right.
Returning 16+ students
Students who will be 16 years of age or over by 30 September (children of school leaving age) should be included on your form.
Clothing grant payments will not be made until pupils return to school in the new session and this has been confirmed by the school.
If you have any enquiries please contact the Free School Meals and Clothing Grant Team on 01698 403203 or email fsm@northlan.gov.uk
Change of circumstances
It is your responsibility to notify the team of any change in circumstances as this could affect your entitlement.
Dietary provision
If you receive qualifying benefits and your child has any special dietary needs this should not disqualify parents from making an application.
Free School Meals can be provided to children with medically diagnosed dietary needs.
Appeals
If your application for a clothing grant is refused and you disagree with the decision you can submit a letter detailing the grounds on which you wish to appeal. This should be sent to:
Chief Officer Education & Families
Civic Centre
Windmillhill Street
Motherwell ML1 1AB
