School Clothing Grants/Free School Meals & Milk - Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the frequently asked questions regarding School Clothing Grants, Free School Meals & Milk
Yes, a new application is required each academic year as we must do a fresh assessment.
No, only one award can be made per child each academic year.
We would recommend that you speak to your child's school. Many schools run a clothing store or your school may be able to make a referral to the West Lothian school bank. This charity provides school uniform and clothing to families in need.
We normally start accepting applications in June each year in advance of the new academic year starting in August, however, we are required to wait for the Scottish Government to advise local authorities of any eligibility changes before we can open up applications.
We can accept an application for any academic year up to very last day of that academic year, normally the end of June.
We aim to assess all applications within 3 weeks of receipt and we will notify you of our decision by email. However, we may require extra time to assess if demand is high, this is usually between June and the schools returning in August. Normally, clothing grants will be paid into your specified bank account within 7 days of our assessment.
The current grants are £150 for each primary school aged pupil and £180 for pupils of secondary school age.
Your application will likely be refused, and you may be asked to re-apply when applications open. Please check our website, it will advise when applications are open.
Yes, we advertise in many ways. We will update the website, email those who had applied the previous year, do a facebook campaign and send word out via schools.
West Lothian Council are responsible for administering applications for all schools under its management. Where the pupil lives does not matter. Pupils placed at special education provision outwith the authority by West Lothian Council are also our responsibility.
No, home-educated children are not entitled to free school meals or a school clothing grant.
We can only award to one parent/carer, therefore the person able to supply evidence of guardianship should apply.
No, we do not offer assistance for nursery children. The child must be in P1 upwards to be considered. However, please speak with your child's school as they may be able to help using their clothing store or they can refer you to West Lothian School Bank.
No. If a child has completed S4 and turns 16 before the end of September in the new academic year they are deemed to be over school leaving age. They are therefore no longer in compulsory education and not eligible for a school clothing grant. However please speak with your child's school as they may be able to help using their clothing store or refer you to West Lothian School Bank.
Important - please submit a joint application for meals/clothing if you wish to apply for free school meals and subsequent school holiday meal payments.
Yes, pupils staying on at school whilst over the school leaving age should apply for Education Maintenance Allowance and an application needs to be submitted by 30th September to be considered for a full year's payment Education Maintenance Allowance - West Lothian Council
If you wish to notify us of a change please use our online form Request to Change Education Benefit Bank details
No, free school milk is only granted if we approve free school meals through assessment of an application form.
No, if your child has been granted free school meals/milk their school will be automatically advised.
Please email Catering@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window) and someone from that department can discuss how that need is met
