Britons urged to apply now and claim up to £192 in school holidays cost of living support

Scottish families could receive up to £192 to help cover food costs during the summer holidays, with parents and carers being encouraged to check whether they qualify for support before schools break up.

The payments are available to families whose children normally receive means-tested free school meals during term time.

Support is intended to help households meet additional food costs while schools are closed for the summer break.

Payments are administered by local councils across Scotland and are made either through direct bank transfers or vouchers.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The Scottish Government said eligible families may also receive similar support during the Christmas and Easter school holidays.

Households can apply for assistance as soon as they begin receiving a qualifying benefit and do not need to wait until a new school term starts.

Eligibility is generally linked to receipt of certain benefits.

These include Universal Credit where earned household income does not exceed £885 a month, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, or support provided under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

Some councils provide around £2.35 per child each day during the holidays, while others pay up to £3 a day.

In West Lothian, eligible households can receive £96 per child over the summer holiday period.

Families with two eligible children could therefore receive as much as £192.

Although all Primary 1 to Primary 5 pupils attending council schools in Scotland are entitled to free lunches during term time regardless of income, holiday food payments are reserved for children who qualify because of low household income.

Rebecca Fagan, policy executive at Advice Direct Scotland, said: "The summer holidays are fast approaching, so it's vital for families to know about the support available to help provide healthy meals for their children."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• State pension age set to hit 70 in shocking move from Germany - could it happen here?
• Martin Lewis' 'MSE' urges 750,000 eligible Britons to claim free £2,200
• Royal Mail profits more than halve amid Labour's tax raids and declining letter volumes

Ms Fagan said many households continue to experience financial pressures linked to the cost-of-living crisis and higher energy bills, with school holidays often increasing spending on food.

"Payments are available throughout the summer for families with children eligible for free school meals, so we encourage anyone who might benefit to apply now."

She added that families do not need to worry about lengthy delays once their application has been approved, as payments begin promptly.

Assistance is available during other school holiday periods throughout the year.

Parents and carers can check their eligibility and apply through their local council's website.

Households that become eligible during the summer holidays do not have to wait until the autumn term starts before submitting an application.

Advice Direct Scotland's advice.scot service offers free guidance to anyone uncertain about whether they qualify or who requires help completing an application.

The organisation provides support on a range of issues, including access to benefits and ensuring households are claiming all the assistance to which they are entitled.

Its advisers are available from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm on 0808 800 9060.

Families receiving qualifying benefits are being encouraged to check their entitlement ahead of the summer break to avoid missing out on support available during the school holidays.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter