Free School Meals
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:
- younger than the compulsory age for starting school
- in full-time education
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2023.
Apply for free school meals
If you are eligible for free school meals you need to apply for each child when they start school.
If your child is starting school then please submit your application in August, the month before your child is due to start. If your child is moving from primary to secondary school, their free school meal entitlement will automatically transfer with them. So, you do not need to reapply.
If you have moved to the area and were receiving free school meals, then you need to provide evidence of the award letter or email you received from the previous authority.
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they are in on 31 March 2023.
You can check if you are eligible for free school meals by using the online application form, or by talking to your child’s school.
The Contact Centre is here to help those who are unable to access the online application or require additional help. Contact 01454 868008 for more information.