Hundreds more children in Devon could become eligible for free school meals this September following a change to Government rules.
From the start of the new school year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household earnings.
This means many families who are not currently eligible will be able to apply.
We are encouraging families who receive Universal Credit to check their eligibility and apply.
Free school meals can save families money and help ensure children receive a healthy meal during the school day.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of the council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for schools, said:
“This is really welcome news for families. We know many households are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, and free school meals can make a real difference. “As more families become eligible from September, I’d encourage parents and carers who receive Universal Credit to check whether they can apply. A healthy meal at school can have a positive impact on a child’s wellbeing and learning, while also helping families with everyday costs.”
The Government’s changes create two types of free school meal eligibility:
Targeted free school meals are available to children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. As well as free school meals, these children attract additional funding for their school through pupil premium and other disadvantage funding.
Eligibility for other support, such as the council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) and extended rights to home to school transport, will continue to be linked to targeted free school meal eligibility.
Expanded free school meals are available to children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings above £7,400.
These children will be entitled to a free school meal, but the additional education benefits linked to targeted free school meal eligibility will not apply.
Parents and carers are encouraged to apply even if they think they may only qualify under the expanded scheme, as both groups will receive free school meals.
For more information and to apply, visit Devon County Council’s free school meals webpages Free school meals – Support for schools and settings