Free School Meals

Who Qualifies?

Free School Meals can only be awarded if you or your partner are claiming either;

• Income Support
• Job Seekers Allowance – Income Based
• Support under part V1 of the immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled  to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs that does not exceed £15,575.
• Guarante element of State Pension Credit.

Where do I apply for Free School Meals?

Contact Tracey or Karen in the Free School Meals Team on Tel 01905 766182 to find out if you qualify and for an application form.
You can also e-mail us at Free School Meals
Application forms can also be obtained from your child's school or by downloading a form here  (42.85 KB).

How do I apply for Free School Meals?

Complete the free school meal application form and return it with the relevant proof either to one of the schools your child/ren attends or to the address on the form.

What proof will I need to provide?

• A Photocopy of the decision letter from the Benefits Agency, showing your entitlement to Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance - Income Based. This must be dated within the last three months.
  
                                     OR
• If you cannot provide us  with an up to date letter, take this form to the Benefit Agency or Job Centre, where an authorised Officer should complete Section C.
  
                                     OR
• A Photocopy of your HM Revenue & Customs Tax Credit Award (TC602) - all pages please or Pension Credit Award Notice (M1000)

What happens then?

If you take the completed application form together with the proof of eligibility to the school they will be able to commence the free school meals as soon as is practical, often this is the same day but some schools may need to make additional catering arrangements and this may take a day or two. If you return the form to our office it will take a little longer because we will need to process the form and then contact the school. In either case you will be notified of the award by letter.

Free School Meals cannot be granted to any child until either the school or ourselves have received a correctly completed form together with the correct proof of benefit.
Entitlement to free school meals can not be backdated

What happens if my circumstances change?

If an applicant ceases to receive one of the above mentioned benefits, they must inform this office immediately, as entitlement to free school meals must be cancelled.Giving false information or failing to disclose a change in circumstances may lead to legal proceedings.

What do I do to maintain my claim for Free School Meals?

Your claim will be reviewed on a regular basis and at this point we will then ask you to complete a review form and provide up to date proof of eligibility.

Will I need to re-apply if my child changes school?

Your child remains entitled to free school meals as long as you are eligible. Free meal entitlement will automatically follow your child to the next stage of their education (i.e., in September) and the new school will be advised of this.

BUT – The Free School Meals Team will need to be advised if your child transfers to another school at any other time or for any other reason.