Is Your Child Entitled to Free School Meals?

Author: Jack Claridge

When your child begins full-time education the issue of what they will do at lunchtime is one that has to be looked at and considered. It is not always possible for a child to either return home for lunch or to be provided with a lunch of their own – either by giving them money or making them a packed lunch – so therefore one must consider free school meals as an option.

Availability of Free School Meals

Free school meals are provided in the United Kingdom where the local education authorities see fit. Although it is law that all children should be given the option of a free school meal, should their circumstances permit, not all local education authorities in conjunction with their respective councils can afford such a provision. Free school meals now only apply in England and Wales – again where provisions exist – but in Scotland this is something that is only allowed at the discretion of individual education departments.

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Who is Eligible?

The first things to remember is that your local education authority is responsible by law to provide your child with free school meals should you fall into any of the categories – or criteria- that are required for them to do so. It is a given that any student in full time education is entitled to free school meals.

Those who are most eligible for free school meals are the following:

Children whose parents receive Family Income Support
The children of parents receiving Income Based Job-Seekers Allowance
Any student whose parents receive Child Tax Credit but do not recieve Working Tax Credit and whose annual family income is less than £16,190 as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs (2016 - these values are changed anually).
Those children who are supported by Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
Children who are being cared for by guardians who receive Pension Credit (under the ‘Guarantee Credit Element’).

Nursery School children are only eligible for free school meals if they are being taught before and after the lunch break. Also students within sixth form education may be eligible given the relevant criteria but students undertaking further education are not eligible and therefore the provision of a lunch is at the discretion of the student and/or parent.

Your local council or education authority will be able to provide you with further information on any special circumstances that they may perceive as being reasonable grounds for receiving free school meals.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Applying for Free School Meals

When you first apply for a place at a particular school for your child they will ask you – if the provision to do so is there – if your child wishes to take advantage of the free school meals system. If this is the case you will be required to fill out an application form or renewal of free school meals application form and also provide proof of your child’s eligibility. With this form you will be asked to provide the school with a copy of your Pension Guarantee Credit notice, proof of Income Based Job Seekers Allowance of Child Tax Credit.

It is worth noting at this stage that if you do not – or cannot – provide the school with the relevant information, which they will forward on to the local education authority, your child will not be allowed to take free school meals and as a result you as the guardian or parent may incur a daily charge for a meal if your child wishes to have one in school.

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67 questions

Ask Get the Right School a Question

No 15/04/2021 at 4:35 am

Hi. I have my son 42 months. I am single mother . I am working 10 hours a week and my son is going in the nursery for 15 hours a week. I am with Universal Credit. I wont to ask iff I can get free school meals . I think is to much only for 15 hours a week I need to pay 72£ a months for the food. Thank you

Rosy 04/03/2021 at 10:43 am

Hello there,
My daughter is 40 months old and is going 30 hours on preschool Kent. They're saying that the lunch is 2.40 at day but i am 18 hours working on universal credit single mum and I want to check is my daughter must have a free lunch meal and if yes do I need to aplly somewhere for it?
Thank you

Suz 14/01/2021 at 8:50 pm

My daughter is in a private nursery and used to get hot school meals sent to them for lunch time. They now get nothing and I have to supply a packed lunch. This is ridiculous the government won't support us unless we have a benefit. Yet my daughter is in the nursery as I am a key worker for the nhs and get no support at all with meals any ideas on help please it's not just my daughter it's key worker kids that are losing out on a hot meal as schools are closed

Razordogz 15/12/2020 at 12:51 am

My daughter recently started Upper school, she's been told she's entitled to free school meals and we've been given a voucher for £30 today, she wasn't entitled to free dinners at her previous school but she did get people premium when she first started because I was earning less than £17000 and my son in lower school isn't entitled to free school dinners and didn't get people premium.
I get child tax credits and working tax credits, I now earn over £20000.
We've been told she's on the list and is entitled to the free meals, where is the best place to speak to somebody so I can sort this out, I don't want to spend the voucher and find out I have to pay it back?

Vicky 14/09/2020 at 5:08 pm

Hi, I have a 2 year old daughter who is eligible for the free 16hours at nursery. I am on income support and have other older children who are in full time school getting free school meals, could you tell me if my two year old is entitled please? The nursery said she has to be over 3 to qualify? She does two full days in nursery. Thanks

Alex 09/09/2020 at 9:33 am

I'm a widower who has two children, and one of them is a special need boy.

The oldest son attends Hillingdon Manor school in Hillingdon borough, but we are residents of Hounslow borough.

My son is eligible for free school meals.
Hounslow council rejected my apply.
Hillingdon borough resend me to apply at Hillingdon Manor school.
The school answered that it is a private school and they cannot help me with providing my son free school meals.
What I need to do?

Alex

Neal4683 19/08/2020 at 4:49 pm

My daughter is entitled to free school meals since Reception however I have just been told my son who will be going into Reception in September is not eligible. How is this possible?

Debbie 18/08/2020 at 3:59 pm

My autistic son has turned 18 now & my daughter has just turned 13. I now work 35hrs p.w but previously only 28 or 16.I've claimed tax credits for 18yrs although I was overpaid when my son was young & we had to have a bankruptcy order because of it. I've always struggled to pay for their uniforms literally only getting 2 outfits each. I've always made sure they had £2 each for lunch but why should they have gone without when someone who doesn't work gets everything for free? I don't understand....

Lou 20/07/2020 at 10:44 pm

I work full time, don't get tax credits or child tax credits but do get child benefit. Should I be entitled to free school meals?

Channel 01/05/2020 at 10:49 pm

I'm a single mother who's recently moved to benefits due to a chronic illness.

My son attends a independent school for children with additional needs prior to this he was a PRU for almost 2 years in receipt of free school meals. This school does not have facilities to provide children dinner was the only school available that could meet his needs all the others within our area declined application this school hes now attending is out of our attachment area in another town almost an hour away from our family home. For 2 years I have provided him with a pack lunch, as food is something he struggles with this has become an even bigger expense than when he 1st started. (stealing food) I cannot send him to school without a meal so this then means I have to purchase again.

Do you have any advice on who i should contact in regards to seeing if any help is available with this please. Thanks in advance.

Nik 14/04/2020 at 3:54 pm

My son has special need and is attending a special need provision in mainstream school at westminster borough, I want to find out if he is entitled to free meal as I do not collect any benefits only disability allowance for him.

Tone 25/03/2020 at 7:34 pm

I work 30 hrs a wk and in receipt of working/child tax credits.
Is my 11 yr old son entitled to free school meals as i was told he isnt...yet a friend of mine works more hrs...in recepit of tax credits and receives free meals for her 11 yr old.

Annie 04/03/2020 at 11:45 am

Hi I’m on child tax credit, child benefit & recieve free school meals.
I’m considering going for a job I’ve seen, it’s 21hours a week in a charity shop at minimum wage..... but if I get it would I lose my free school meals? They really help as I get free school trips and help with uniform costs. I’m unsure if I’d be better off working & losing this?
I’d really appreciate any help on this.

Donz 18/12/2019 at 11:48 am

I am on a low income £9.03 an hour and work 30 a week my 14 year old daughter has just been diagnosed with adhd and learning difficulties can i claim free school meals and a free bus pass for her.

Tash 13/11/2019 at 2:00 pm

Ive been cut of wtc does that mean my son is now entitled to free school dinners.

Sara 24/10/2019 at 10:23 pm

I receive a desability allowence and working but our annual income is less than £11000
Do my children are entitled to free school meal

Charity 09/09/2019 at 2:33 pm

Hi, I work for a charity that funds a child at an independent school on a very low fee basis.
The children in the family should be entitled, due to benefits received by the parent, to receive free school meals, however I'm wondering whether councils fund meals at a private, fee paying school?
It's Westminster Council in question.
Thanks for your help.

Mand 02/09/2019 at 7:59 pm

My daughter is going into yr 4 she is entitled to free school dinners as on universal credit... do i have to renew it or does it just run on

Tash 28/08/2019 at 12:24 pm

I have been getting free school meals do i have to renew them before they go back to school in september plus i have a child going from primary to secondary school what do i do

Stacey O'T 13/05/2019 at 10:11 am

Hi,
My son has been attending full time secondary school in England since September 18 and has been eligible for free school meals as I'm in receipt of ESA, child tax credits and child benefit. Our benefits have not changed but my son's mental health issues have forced me to request that he attends school just part time, (All lessons prior to lunchtime.) I am hoping you could tell me if we are still eligible for free school meals as my income is very low and this is going to have a undesired effect on me financially. I am aware that it states free meals are for full time students but was wondering what the special circumstances consist of so that I can look into if we have grounds to request he should be eligible for free school meals.
Thank you

Lizzy 08/05/2019 at 8:33 am

I was on income based JSA and claimed free school meals. I now have a part time job working 14 hours per week, earning £10k per year. Can I continue to claim free school meals until the end of the school year, or do I have to claim Universal credit, in that case I won't be entitled to free school meals as my income is over £7k?

Naz 01/05/2019 at 10:06 am

I am receiving disability allowance does my son entitle free school meals

Hayley 24/03/2019 at 2:48 pm

I've come off income support and now receive working tax credits but was entitled to free school meals for my child when will these stop and I have to pay for them?

Em 04/11/2018 at 11:47 pm

Can I cancel my child’s free school meal? And if so how? I live in England by the way.

Nay 07/10/2018 at 4:20 pm

My son has started nursery in September however what I wanted to know was do people on JSA,child tax, ESA any Dwp benefit, do you still have to pay for nursery meals. The nurseries I have been too range from £5-15 a day even if it's 15hrs a week.

EllieB Editor 17/08/2018 at 10:07 am

@Vicky - if he was eligible before high school, he should be eligible at high school unless your financial circumstances have changed.

Vicky 16/08/2018 at 4:30 pm

Hi my son is going to high school in September, will he continue to receive free school meals?

Alex90 Editor 10/07/2018 at 10:12 am

@Stacey - If your child doesn't have to be in nursery and you are receiving a free place, then you can't claim this back. The reason is that you don't 'need' your child to be in nursery over lunchtime (as you're not working), so this is your choice. The alternative is to place your child in nursery mornings or afternoons so you can feed your child at home (that's the government's take on it - if you see what I mean).

Stacey 09/07/2018 at 11:11 am

So I get 15 hours free funding as I currently don’t work so I receive income support and child tax credits. I have to pay £18 a month just for nursery dinners anyone know if I can claim that back?

oana 02/03/2018 at 6:23 pm

hi, i would like to know,if it"s possible, how much i have to wait for the answer for ,,free school meals,,? i don"t know how i will know if it is approved...thx

GetTheRightSchool Editor 14/12/2017 at 12:42 pm

You can see whether you may be eligible via which

Ajc 13/12/2017 at 2:58 pm

My husband receives working tax credits will I get free school meals for my child

GetTheRightSchool Editor 06/10/2017 at 2:14 pm

Please see gov.uk link here which should help you further.

gfordx 03/10/2017 at 7:37 pm

Hiya.. I am a single parent and a full time student nurse, I do not receive any tax credits but I do receive a NHS bursary to help with child care costs. My child is in year 3, is he eligible for free school meals?

Meme 20/09/2017 at 3:41 pm

Does anyone know my stepdaughter lives with us she spends 3 nights at her mums a week = just 2 school meal days and we receive working tax credits her mother has recently reviewed benefits after walking out her job as she doesn't want to lay child support and has applied for the child to have free school dinners. As her daughter lives with us and we get working tax credit I thought the child isn't allowed free school dinners ? How can I find out as I don't want to get in trouble.
Thanks

Loz 13/06/2017 at 12:30 am

I have recently returned to work and am now aware that my child is no longer entitled to free school meals. Is this the case as of the day I return to work or is she eligible for free school meals for the rest of the term/year? Also, do I need to inform anyone of this change to cancel the free school meals? Thanks.

Skiddy79 08/06/2017 at 10:33 am

Hi my daughter is scholared at private school but all the extras are crippling us as a family the meals are quite expensive too are there any places to apply for monetary help and can you get free school meals at private school? I am disabled and on income support

Bigwig 05/05/2017 at 7:52 am

My partner works 24 hours a week are my children entitled to free school meals or not?

Annie 06/04/2017 at 4:09 pm

My daughter is 13 years old. I am on benefits so my daughter should be entitled to free school meals, however money for her meal is still deducted from my parent pay account. I don't understand this.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 24/03/2017 at 10:06 am

You can see more which

nikkij1 23/03/2017 at 5:21 pm

hi i am just looking for helpt to see if i can get help with free school meals for my son has he is starting to go to nursery fulltime after the easter holidays any info would be great

Allan Carter 30/01/2017 at 9:00 am

I now receive Working Tax credit as working for only 24 hours a week due to my hours being cut and have been told that ANY PERSON HAVING ANY WTC even if it is a penny and you have savings/income UNDER £16.00 Will Not receive ANY help with free school meals, so if you are married and only work 24 hours a week this government will simply say NO and get lost.

Anne 11/01/2017 at 4:23 pm

My son name jan rojas at in secondary 10 F I renew my son free meal last year sept 2016 until now im still waiting for nothing any letter from your office no answer at all ,my son still waiting i'm receiving tax child benefits and low income pls! help me to find out why ????

Sam 04/11/2016 at 7:49 am

I live alone with my children and receive child tax credits, their father and I split last year but the form simply asks for both parents name, do I put the father's name down if we don't live together? If I put both names down it looks like we are together and therefore not eligible for free school meals? They do have a dad he just lives else where

Emma 29/09/2016 at 11:15 am

Do you still get free school meals at 17 if in full time education and parents are on low income? ? Thanks

GetTheRightSchool Editor 19/08/2016 at 9:43 am

You can check whether you are eligible via the gov.uk site here. I hope this helps.

Gill 18/08/2016 at 7:28 am

Hi I work full time get child tax & working tax and I get dla for my son . Can he get free school meals ? Thanks

GetTheRightSchool Editor 19/07/2016 at 12:11 pm

You can check with your local council to see if your child qualifies for free school meals. You find out how to apply which

Amy 18/07/2016 at 5:14 pm

My husband doesn't work but I used to work so we both basically don't work can I still apply for free school meals for my child

Angela 03/07/2016 at 7:31 pm

My son is a single full time dad of twochildren working 16 hours a week and hes paying for sons school dinners every week yet his only earning lowest wage and gets tax credits

jul 15/04/2016 at 2:03 pm

I have 4 children on free school meals I'm about to start a job which is 9 thousand a year .. please tell me if I can still get free school meals

Sam 01/10/2015 at 10:47 pm

Hi, my child will be full time at nursery in a few weeks and I have been told I will have to pay for her school meals as I do not receive income support. My partners income is less than 16,000 so I'm not too sure how this will work for us?

Sara 10/09/2015 at 4:29 pm

I receive working tax credit however all the money I do get is below £16040 and I cannot get free meals for my 2 children I think this is absolute madness how are people meant to be able to afford to live.

GetTheRightSchool Editor 04/09/2015 at 1:57 pm

You would have to contact the school directly, we do not hold such information.

missie 03/09/2015 at 4:26 pm

Please can you tell me if my to boys are still getting free school meals.mason mcleish,and murphey macleish .ravenswood school.thank u

GetTheRightSchool Editor 18/06/2015 at 12:54 pm

@tray - as specified in the article, nursery school children are only eligible for free school meals if they are being taught before and after the lunch break. Your local council or education authority will be able to provide you with further information on any special circumstances that they may perceive as being reasonable grounds for receiving free school meals.

tray 16/06/2015 at 1:10 pm

Hi my 3 year old is due to start school in September I don't work but my partner does while we do get a small amount of WTC he is on a low wage will my son be entitled for free school meals to start with he will only be going one full day a week

lisa 10/06/2015 at 12:52 pm

I wondered if anyone could help would my children get free school meals me and my partner work part time and recieve child tax credit but also receive bit of working tax but income is still very low

Bee 02/03/2015 at 3:38 pm

My child is 3 years old and goes to pre-school. Redundant in November, now receive income support. Should my child get free school meals for the 2 full days he is at preschool?

sarah 03/01/2015 at 1:00 am

Hi i was hoping someone could give me advice. My son is currently in a public school and moving to a private school in a few weeks. I am currently on benefits and he receives free school meals. A family member is kindly paying for my son to go to private school. During the transition of my son moving school i got a letter from the board telling me my son will still get free meals in his new school. Is this correct? Should i cancel the free meals? I honestly didnt think this could happen in a private school. I am also scared incase he is the only child receiving free meals in the school. Please let me no asap i would not want him to be differnt from anyone else in the school.
Many thanks.

6kids 22/09/2014 at 6:08 pm

I get child tax and working tax also dla for my 2 youngest children I got free school meals in junior school yet my youngest started seniors this sept and they have refused to give free school meals but my circumstances haven't changed.
Is this right please

Kas 17/09/2014 at 6:43 am

We currently have 2 children that we may adopt in the future. They are children in care of Poole social services, we do not have parental rights. Are they entitled to free school meals?

kenzie 05/03/2013 at 8:07 am

we receive childtax credit but not working tax credit for looking after our grandson are we entitled to free school meals

sani 10/09/2012 at 12:36 am

children who get free school meals are on holiday for 12 weeks a year who feeds them then

GetTheRightSchool Editor 26/04/2012 at 9:38 am

@steph. Without knowing all your circumstances we cannot really comment on this. If your circumstances have changed then you can see if you are entitled to free school meals. Contact your local council who will be able to tell you how to apply.

steph 25/04/2012 at 9:17 pm

hello there iwas in reciept of income support but it has been stopped due to my husbands incapacity benefit going up by £6 i also recieve child benefit and childtax credit and disability living allowence... would my child be entitled to free school meals?? the process is new to me.. ty

julie 27/03/2012 at 10:56 am

we as a family receive tax credits and working tax an are income is below that sum so y cant my two children get free school meals ??

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