Who can Apply?

Children in Reception to Year 6 can apply for help with school expenses known as the Free School Meals benefit (FSM) via the council website. You may qualify if you receive any of the benefits below. If eligible then you should claim as that brings additional funding to the school and additional support to you and your child (see flyer)

• Universal Credit with an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (£616.67 per month)

• Child Tax Credit only (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190.

Working Tax Credit is a disqualifying benefit regardless of your household income – this means that you would not be entitled to free school meals while in receipt of the Working Tax Credit

• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

• Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guarantee element of Pension Credit