Free school meals

All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for free school meals. This includes academies, free schools, pupil referral units and alternative provision as well as maintained schools.

Help your primary school get additional funding

You do not have to complete an application form to receive free school meals in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. If you receive any of the benefits listed below you can help your school access additional money provided by central government.  All you need to do is apply for free school meals.

Benefits

• Income support (IS)
• Income based’ jobseeker’s allowance (IBJSA)
• Income related employment and support allowance (IRESA)
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child tax credit (provided you do not receive working tax credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, that does not currently exceed £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year

Children who receive any of the above benefits in their own right. For example, they get benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian. They can apply for free school meals.

Free school meals are available for full time students attending school. Your child will be entitled to free school meals if you receive one of the benefits listed below:

• Income support (IS)
• Income based’ jobseeker’s allowance (IBJSA)
• Income related employment and support allowance (IRESA)
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child tax credit (provided you do not receive working tax credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, that does not currently exceed £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year
  

Children who receive any of the above benefits in their own right. For example, they get benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian. They can apply for free school meals.