How do I qualify for free school meals?

Parents/guardians who receive any of the following are entitled to free school meals:

• Income Support (IS)
• Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)
• Child Tax Credit without Working Tax Credit with an annual taxable income (as assessed by HMR&C) of less than £16,190;
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA)
• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit.
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

NB: If you have recently become unemployed but are still receiving working Tax credits, you may be entitled to free school meals, please call us on 0845 155 1019 for advice.

Please note: Contributions Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Working Tax Credit and Invalidity Benefit do not qualify; also being in receipt of Child Tax Credit AND Working Tax Credit does not qualify.

What age must my child be to receive free school meals?

Nursery aged children can receive free school meals if:

• They attend an LA maintained nursery (not private)
• They attend before and after lunch

Students attending sixth forms, i.e. tertiary education in a school, can receive free school meals however children attending tertiary colleges are not eligible for free school meals.

How do I apply?

• Download the application form or complete online (see below)
• Once we have received your application, we will enter your details into the online system and it will tell us if you are entitled or not.
• We will then send you a letter with our decision, usually within 5-10 working days.
• If it states ‘AUTHORISED’: you need to do nothing, we will inform the school and your child will be able to receive free school meals shortly after.
• If it states ‘NOT AUTHORISED’: If you still believe you are entitled, please call 0845 155 1019 for advice, we may need you to send us evidence to prove that you receive a qualifying benefit in this circumstance.
• You no longer have to reapply! We will perform regular checks of entitlement and inform the schools. If we believe you are no longer eligible or cannot find you on our system, we will send you a letter asking you to send us evidence to prove you are entitled. If you do not we will stop free school meals for your child(ren).

Where can I get an application form?

Application forms for free school meals are available from your child’s school or by telephoning 0845 155 1019.

Or download the application form (138KB - pdf help) (revised June 2010) or Free School Meals - register online.

When you apply, you won’t need to provide us with any evidence of your benefit, we can check your status for you. All you need to do is complete a paper application or by using our online form.