Free School Meals

Infants

Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 automatically get free school meals. This is called Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM). You don't need to apply for UIFSM, just let your child’s school know.

Children in Year 3 and above

Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you are receiving any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit), with an annual income below £16,190
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance, income related
• Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999
• Working Tax Credit run-on, paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit, with a household income of £7,400 or less (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
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Apply

Your application will be refused if you're not receiving any of the listed benefits. Please consider this before applying.

You can apply online.

Your application will be processed within 15 working days, but it can take longer if you apply in August or September.

We will contact you and the school if your child is entitled.

Change of circumstances

If your child changes school or address, you will need to reapply for free school meals.