Free School Meals

 Are you eligible?

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.

What are the advantages for parents?

• No need to provide dinner money or packed lunches each day
• Your son or daughter will get good food to the value of over £450 in a school year 

What are the advantages for students?

• Good food - offering a range of hot and cold options
• Registering for Free School Meals can bring additional funding for your child’s education 

How does it work?

Your son or daughter selects their meal along with all the other students and gives their name to the cashier instead of paying. 

How can you claim?