Is my child eligible for free school meals?

Free school meals are a statutory benefit. The Government does not allow us to recognise any other benefit other than those mentioned below. If you are not sure, please get in touch with the Admissions and Benefits team using the contact information at the bottom of the page.

Free school meals are available to children of families who are in receipt of:

• Income Support
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• An income-related employment and support allowance 
• Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit 
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190

Parents receiving Working Tax Credit for four weeks after their employment finishes are entitled to free school meals during that period.  This also applies to parents who start working less that 16 hours per week (please seek advice about this from the Benefits Agency)

Children who receive Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance in their own right are also entitled to receive Free School Meals.

In cases where children receive education who have not attained compulsory school age, there will be a conditional requirement that they receive education both before and after the lunch period, before being eligible to receive Free School Meals.

Please note:

Working Tax Credit is NOT a criteria

How do I apply for free school meals?

To apply, you need to download and print an application form. Paper copies are available from the Admissions and Benefits team or from your child's school.

• Completed application forms can be returned by hand/post to the Admissions and Benefits Team or your child's school.
• Please include all the relevant information on your application form, ensuring that you have included the claimants correct National Insurance Number /or NASS reference number and date of birth.
• You are no longer required to provide proof of your benefit entitlement. Your eligibility for Free School Meals is processed by the Admissions and Benefits Team, via a database held by the Department of Works and Pensions.