Free School Meals
Advice for Parents/Carers on Applying for Free School Meals
Please note that ALL children between Reception & Year 2 are entitled to a Universal Free School Meal in government-funded schools - this entitlement is different from Free School Meals.
In light of families changing financial situations, you may find that you now meet the criteria below.
The government states that –
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
- Income Support
- income-based Job Seekers' Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit, provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit, and have an annual gross income, of no more than £16,190 as assessed by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (Parents who are made redundant or start working less that 16 hours per week, may find their children are entitled to free meals for a limited period.)
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit (before September 2026 provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods, from September 2026 all pupils from families claiming universal credit)
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
The above information is from www.gov.uk
To find further information or to apply if you think you may fit the criteria above, you can go to