Application forms
How do I apply?
An application can be downloaded. Alternatively, one can be obtained from schools or from Council Information Services, Libraries, Jobcentres, Advice Shop (Bathgate) or at the Civic Centre. All P1-P3 pupils are entitled to free school meals. Pupils from P4 upwards may also be eligible for free school meals if their parents are in receipt of a qualifying benefit as detailed below. P1-P7 pupils whose parents meet the criteria below are also entitled to free school milk.
When can I apply?
There is no cut-off date for applying, we can accept applications up to the last school day of the academic year, but please be aware that entitlement cannot be backdated.
How long will my application take to process?
We will aim to process an application within 10 working days from receipt, and provided you receive a qualifying benefit as detailed below, you will be notified, and the school your child/children attend with be notified automatically. Pupils can receive Free School Meals from P1 to S6, but a fresh application must be submitted each academic year.
Who qualifies?
Pupils with parents in receipt of any of the following are entitled to free school meals:
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Any Income Related element of Employment & Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit (with no working tax credit) and whose annual income is £16,105 or less
- Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit whose annual income is £6,420 or less
- Universal Credit where the monthly earned income does not exceed £610
If you are applying using Tax Credits as your qualifying benefit, then you must be able to provide a Tax Credit Award Notice detailing payment starting on 06 April 2017. A Tax Credit Annual Review can also be accepted, however on page 1 it must read “If you do not have anything to tell us you need do nothing more…”.
If applying using a Jobcentre benefit as described above, then you must provide a benefit letter dated within 3 months of application, or have the form stamped at Jobcentre Plus.
Free School Milk
All pupils of nursery schools and classes, and all pupils at Beatlie, Burnhouse, Cedarbank, Ogilvie School Campus and Pinewood Schools where consumption of the milk is part of the educational programme as agreed with Psychological Services, are entitled to 200ml of milk daily free of charge.
P1-7 pupils whose parents are in receipt of a qualifying benefit must apply for milk using the application form, even if you do not wish to take meals.
Anyone not entitled to Free School Milk, can purchase milk for their child or children through the school who will charge 18p per 200ml.
I want to apply for free school meals for more than one child. Do I need to complete an application form for each child?
No, there is space to apply for free school meals for up to six children on the application form.
https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/3787/Free-School-Meals
