Scottish government have confirmed that children in primary and secondary school who receive a free school meal on the basis of low income are eligible for an additional £100 winter hardship payment. We encourage parents whose child is eligible for a free school meal to apply this week so they can receive this payment – www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmealsandclothinggrants

Anyone who has previously applied for a free school meal for this school year (2020-21) will receive the payment directly into their bank account before Christmas. Anyone who applies between Monday 30 November and Friday 18 December will receive this payment by mid-January at the latest.

P1-P3 pupils are not automatically eligible for this payment as every child receives a free school meal regardless of their family’s circumstances. We would urge all families on low incomes with a P1-P3 child to apply for free school meals by Friday 18 December.

Nursery children of low-income parents aren’t entitled to the winter hardship payment, but are entitled to the £27 free school meal payment to cover the festive break. If you are eligible, please apply at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmealsandclothinggrants

Further information on the COVID winter hardship payment (£100 per child) can be found on Scottish Government’s website.