Do I qualify for free school meals?

Free School Meals is a benefit awarded in respect of children under the age of 19 where the parent or guardian is in receipt of one of the benefits below:

• Income Support
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Child Tax Credit - (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income that does not exceed £15,575 (as assessed by H.M. Revenue and Customs).
• the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit, or
• a letter of support under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Money received each week through Working Tax Credit includes an amount for school meals. This means that you do not qualify for free school meals if you receive it.

NB: Students in full time education who are in receipt of Income Support and Income Based Job Seekers Allowance in their own right, are also entitled to free school meals.

By Law no other category of benefit payment or combination of Tax Credits qualify for free school meals. Similarly, there are no other circumstances that can legally justify the provision of a free school meal.