It is really important that you claim free school meals if you are eligible, even if your child is in Reception or key stage 1. That’s because as well as a nutritionally balanced meal for your child, you will bring in up to £1,300 of extra funding for school.
You can apply for free school meals if you receive one of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- the Guarantee element of State 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
- Universal Credit