Back to School Support for Families (September 2026) | CHAI Factsheet

Brief Summary: CHAI’s updated Back to School Support for Families factsheet outlines key financial support available to eligible families, including help with school costs, meals and benefits

As the new school year begins, families may be eligible for financial support including the Scottish Child Payment (£28.20 per child, per week), Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants, and the Best Start Grant School Age Payment (£331.95 for eligible children starting school).

Key points:

• P1 to P5 pupils receive free school meals automatically, with many P6 to P7 pupils also qualifying automatically through Scottish Child Payment.
• Some working families receiving Universal Credit may still qualify for Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants.
• The Best Start Grant School Age Payment is available for eligible children born between 1 March 2021 and 29 February 2022, with applications open until 28 February 2027. CHAI Factsheet_Parents Back to School 26 09

Thanks to our partners at CHAI for providing this practical guide to back-to-school financial support for families.

https://chaiedinburgh.org.uk/