Free school meals

How to apply for free school meals

You can apply for free school meals using Citizens Portal.

you will receive an immediate decision on your application by email
if your application is accepted, the school will be told
if your application is refused, apply again when you receive your first eligible benefit

If you have not used Citizens Portal you will need to set up an account

Make sure your name, date of birth and National Insurance number are correct. This information used by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to assess your claim.

Who can get free school meals?

Free school meals for reception, year 1 and year 2

All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for free school meals.

This includes academies, free schools, pupil referral units and alternative provision as well as maintained schools.

Which benefits mean children are eligible for free school meals?

Income support (IS)
Income based’ jobseeker’s allowance (IBJSA)
Income related employment and support allowance (IRESA)
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Child tax credit (provided you do not receive working tax credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, that does not currently exceed £16,190)
Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year, after tax and not including any benefits, or less than £616.66 per calendar month

If children receive any of the above benefits payments directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, they can apply for free school meals.

Help your primary school get additional funding

You do not have to complete an application form to receive free school meals in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. If you receive any of the benefits listed below you can help your school access additional money provided by central government. All you need to do is apply for free school meals.

Free school meals for year 3 and upwards

Free school meals are available for full time students attending school.

Your child will be entitled to free school meals if you receive one of the benefits listed.

Income support (IS)
Income based’ jobseeker’s allowance (IBJSA)
Income related employment and support allowance (IRESA)
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
Child tax credit (provided you do not receive working tax credit and have an annual income, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, that does not currently exceed £16,190)
Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year, after tax and not including any benefits, or less than £616.66 per calendar month