You could be entitled to claim a Free School Meal for your Child!
The Healthy Food and Drink Team is currently working with schools and their caterers to ensure that any meal provided in school follows the Food Standards set by the Government. This means that if you are receiving certain benefits, you can ensure your child is receiving a nutritious school meal.
Use the links below to find out if you are eligible and how to apply.
Free meals are available to any full-time student who is still at school and eligible. This includes nursery children who attend full days and also sixth form students. Meals are not available for students at further education level.
You can get free school meals for your child if you or your partner gets either:
- Income Support
- Income based Job Seekers Allowance
- Child Tax Credit only (with a family income of less than £14,495 as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs)
- National Asylum Seekers Support
- Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
Please note: If you are currently in receipt of Working Tax Credit then you do not qualify for free school meals.
You should apply when you first start to receive benefit. Your eligibility will be reviewed by the Free School Meals Team on a yearly basis.
You will need to supply the following details so that we can assess your application:
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your Date of Birth
- Your Surname
- Your Full Address
- Your Child(ren)'s Details
You can apply online or by printing the application form below.
What proof is required?
You will no longer have to provide evidence of your benefits to apply for Free School Meals.
We are currently using an online checking system provided by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which enables us to decide whether you are eligible or not.
If your child attends secondary school then you will also need to provide a passport sized photo (this will be used to produce an ID card) unless the school is operating a cashless catering system or is a special school.
How will the school know my child does not have to pay for school meals?
The schools will be informed directly by the Free School Meals team that your child/children can have a school meal free of charge. However it is advised that you contact the school directly to find out when the free meals will start as some schools have to order meals a week in advance.
Children attending secondary schools will be issued an ID card by the Free School Meals team, which they will need to take to their canteen unless you are attending a special school or one operating cashless catering. Schools operating cashless catering will automatically upload your daily allowance to your account and will explain how this works in detail with you.
You should notify the team directly if:
- You start work and come off benefits
- Your benefit changes
- You change address
- Your child changes school
Do not hesitate to contact us using the information on the right hand side of the page if you have any concerns or questions.
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