Free School Meal Holiday Support & Scottish Child Payment
Holiday Free School Meal Support
The Scottish Government provides funding to local authorities to offer Free School Meal (FSM) support during all school holidays. These payments help families meet the cost of meals when schools are closed. Eligible families receive £2.50 per child per day for each school holiday day.
Who Receives Holiday Payments?
Holiday payments are provided for:
- Primary and Seconary pupils who are eligible for Free School Meals on the basis of low income.
- Children who meet local extended criteria (See 'Shetland Extension' below).
If your child has a current Free School Meal award, you will automatically receive these payments.
There is no need to reapply - payments are made directly to your bank account.
Shetland Extension to Holiday Support
Shetland Islands Council has extended holiday meal support beyond the minimum national requirements. This extension mirrors the wider local eligibility criteria for Free School Meals.
In addition to pupils who qualify for Free School Meals through national, income‑based criteria, holiday payments will also be provided to:
- Primary and Secondary pupils who receive a Clothing Grant, even if they do not meet the Scottish Government’s income‑based FSM criteria.
- Early Years children who are awarded Free School Meals or a Clothing Grant.
This ensures that families who benefit from Shetland’s broader support for free school meals and clothing grant also receive financial assistance during school holidays.
Holiday Payment Dates 2026/27
All payments are issued in advance of the holiday period.
| Holiday | Holiday Dates | Amount | Payment Date |
| Summer | Monday 6 July to Tuesday 19 August | £80.00 | Friday 3 July 2026 |
| October | Monday 12 October to Tuesday 27 October | £30.00 | Friday 9 October 2026 |
| Christmas | Monday 21 December to Monday 4 January | £27.20 | Friday 18 December 2026 |
| February | Friday 12 February to Tuesday 16 February | £7.50 | Friday 12 February 2027 |
| Spring (Easter) | Thursday 25 March to Tuesday 6 April | £22.50 | Friday 26 March 2027 |
Scottish Child Payment
Scottish Child Payment (SCP) is a payment from Social Security Scotland for low‑income families to help with the cost of raising children.
- It provides £28.20 per week, per child.
- Payments are made every 4 weeks.
- You can claim for each child under 16 that you are responsible for.
SCP is one of five family payments available through Social Security Scotland, alongside Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.
Eligibility for Scottish Child Payment
You may be eligible if:
- You are responsible for a child under 16, and
- You or your partner receive at least one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income‑related Employment and Support Allowance
Scottish Child Payment does not affect any other benefits you or your household receives.
How to Apply
For full details and to apply, visit the official Social Security Scotland website: