Who is eligible for Free School Meals?

In England, children are eligible to receive free school meals (FSM) if their parents are in receipt of any of the following benefits:

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 they are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

How to claim Free School Meals

If you think your child is entitled to free school meals, you’ll usually need to fill in an application form supplied by your local council. Give your completed application to your child’s school and make sure you can show documentary proof of any support you are receiving.

To find your Local Council/Authority to apply for Free School Meals click here.

Dated: February 2013

Source: Catholic Education Service

The Catholic Education Service is an agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales