Free school meals are not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. This means children can receive free school meals regardless of their immigration status if they meet the eligibility requirements, or where meals are provided universally.
Universal provision (Primary 1 to Primary 5)
Free school meals are available to all children in Primary 1 to Primary 5 who attend a school run by a local authority or funded by the Scottish Government.
Primary 6 and above
From Primary 6 onwards, free school meals are available to children in certain groups, including those in families with a low income.
A child may qualify if their family receives:
- Home Office asylum support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (including section 95 or section 98 support), or
- a qualifying benefit
Qualifying benefits include:
- Universal Credit (with earned income of less than £850 per month)
- Income Support
- income based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income related Employment and Support Allowance
- Scottish Child Payment
Children aged 16 to 18 who are in full time education may also qualify if they receive a qualifying benefit themselves.
When a child does not qualify
A child who does not meet the eligibility criteria may still be able to receive support.
Local authorities receive funding through the Pupil Equity Fund to support children from low income families. This can be used to provide free school meals or other support on a discretionary basis.
This may apply, for example, where:
- a family has no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and cannot access benefits, or
- the family is receiving section 4 asylum support
Families in these situations should contact their local council for more information.
More information
Further information is available on the Scottish Government website.
Page updated: 19 June 2026
