Direct payments for the Christmas 2020 holidays for school pupils eligible for free school meals

Direct payments for the Christmas 2020 holidays for school pupils eligible for free school meals

The Scottish Government recently announced funding so councils could continue providing free school meals through the winter break, with future funding confirmed to extend support over Easter 2021.  

During the lockdown, Moray Council issued electronic shopping vouchers to eligible families.  We also collected parent/carer bank account details so that clothing grant payments could be paid directly instead of by cheque.  We will be making direct payments into the same bank account for families eligible for free school meals over the winter holiday. 

Parents/carers with a free school meal award letter do not need to contact us, but if your bank account details have recently changed please email education@moray.gov.uk with ‘free school meal payment’ in the subject line so we can prioritise your enquiry.  Due to the reduced number of staff available to manage telephone calls, please only contact us by telephone if you have not had a response to your email within 2 working days.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible for the payment?

If your household income has been assessed and you have received a free school meal award letter you will be eligible to receive this winter payment.  This scheme does not include other children within primary 1 to 3 who are eligible under the separate Scottish Government free school meal scheme.

How much will I receive?

If you child attends primary school you will receive £25.30, which is 11 school days at £2.30 per week day.  If your child attends secondary school you will receive £26.40, which is 11 school days at £2.40 per week day.  

When will I receive the payment?

Payments will be made into bank accounts by 16 December 2020.  It is possible that your payment is on a different day to someone else you know.  If you have not received your payment by 16 December 2020 please email education@moray.gov.uk with ‘free school meal payment’ in the subject line so that we can prioritise your enquiry. 

Who can I contact if I have a query?

Please email education@moray.gov.uk with ‘free school meal payment’ in the subject line so we can prioritise your enquiry.  Due to the reduced number of staff available to manage telephone calls, please only contact us by telephone if you have not had a response within 2 working days.  The general enquiries telephone number is 01343 563374.

My financial circumstances have changed recently – could this make my child eligible for free school meals?

Find out if you are eligible and how to apply at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_55486.html