Want to Apply for free school meals?

Free School meals are provided to students during the school day to make sure all children can access healthy food to sustain them in their education. For many parents, the rising cost of living is making it extremely difficult to provide everything needed and that’s why free school meals are there.  

The National Institute of health reports the correlation between healthy eating and academic success, attendance, and behaviour. This is why if you need help then make sure to check if you are eligible. 
Free breakfast clubs are on the horizon too as Labour pledge to start implementing this initiative from 2025. Families will be able to save up to £2000 when they can enroll their children in free breakfast clubs at school. You can read more about the Free Breakfast clubs initiative here.  

 

Who is eligible for Free School Meals? 

Free School Meals are available to children in full-time education in primary or secondary school in the UK. A child can obtain these meals if their family is receiving certain benefits, meets an income threshold or they are receiving asylum support. 

Your child is protected from losing their free school meals and will have access to the service until the end of their education period in Primary or Secondary school. 

Income threshold – Families who receive no public funding, which means no benefits and can work but have a lower income could be eligible for free school meals for their children. 

£22,700 for families outside of London with 1 child 

£26,300 for families outside of London with 2 or more children 

£31,200 for families within London with 1 child 

£34,800 for families within London with 2 or more children 

Additionally, the family cannot have more than £16,000 in savings or investments. 

Benefits eligibility - If you are receiving certain benefits your child could be eligible for free school meals; 

  • Universal Credit, if you have an annual net earned income of less that £7,400. This will be assessed from up to 3 of your recent assessment periods. 
  • Income Support  
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance  
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance  
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999  
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit  
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)  
  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit 

Asylum support 

If you are receiving Home Office asylum support, your children may be eligible for free school meals. This benefit makes sure that children in families seeking asylum have access to nutritious meals during the school day. To confirm eligibility, you should check with your local authorities, this includes the council or local education department, or directly contact your child’s school. They will be able to provide information on the application process and guide you through any documentation required. Having access to free school meals can be crucial for asylum-seeking families in reducing financial strain while ensuring children are well-nourished for learning.

 

How do I apply? 

You can apply online through your local council’s website; you will have to wait until your child has a confirmed space in a school in that area. If you tell the local council that you qualify for free school meals, then your child’s school will be given extra funding to ensure this service can be carried out. You can include multiple children in one application and you won't have to inform the school yourself, the council should notify them.

Necessary documentation -

You will first need to create an account, if you don't already have one on your council's website. You will then be asked to fill out a form to apply for free school meals. They will ask for personal information such as, your address, the address of the school your child is enrolled in, bank statements as well as proof of benefits. This will be necessary so that the authorities can check you meet the criteria before they can accept.

During the application process you will be required to provide your national insurance number as one of the necessary documentation. This is used to verify your eligibility, making sure that the application meets the criteria set. Make sure to have this document ready when completing the application to avoid delays.

 

3 Benefits of Free School Meals 

freeschoolmeals

The Nutritional impact -

There are so many advantages for children having healthy meals and this includes their academic success and focus. The World Health Organisation revealed that eating healthy from an early age can help to prevent complications later on. Eating the right food also have an impact on brain function which means your child can get more out of their education. 

Financial Relief for Families -

The cost of living has impacted how parents can provide for their children with many families deciding between food, water and electricity each week. By having free school meals parents can know their child is getting a healthy meal every day and they don’t have to budget this into each day. 

Social Inclusion 

Free school meals helps to promote inclusion within the school environment by allowing all students have access to the same food options. This can help those students to sit with their peers at meal times and reduce the stigma often associated with poverty. This sense of equality and belonging can improve children's self-esteem and contribute positively to their emotional well-being, enhancing their overall school experience. 

 

Common Questions 

Do I have to reapply every year? 

No, you will not have to reapply each year, your child should receive free school meals until the end of their education period, when they leave the school. You may have to inform the school and council if your situation changes. 

Will the School be notified? 

Yes, once you have submitted your application and it has been accepted by the council, they will notify the school. 

Do all schools offer free meals? 

All state funded schools will offer free school meals for those who qualify. From 2025 certain schools will start implementing free breakfast clubs too. 

 

Free School Meals During School Closures or Summer 

Food Vouchers - 

If your child is eligible for free school meals, then your school will often hand out food vouchers. This depends on whether your council is funding this service, so check on the website or ask the school. This scheme began during COVID but some regions are still offering this. 

HAF - 

The holidays and food program are funded by the government so those who are eligible to get free school meals during term time can also receive support during school holidays. This access includes free meals, enriching activities, and nutritional education during the summer and other school holidays. 

 

 

Take action! 

Take action today by checking your eligibility as your child could get nutritious meals at school for free. Even if you are unsure whether you qualify it can be worth checking as it could provide significant financial savings for your family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to essential fuel children need each day.  

Contact your local authority or your child’s school to explore the options available to you.