Are your children getting the free school meals they could be entitled to?

With everyone watching the pennies, preparing the daily lunch boxes can dent your wallet. If your child has not been automatically enrolled by the Council, could your child be entitled to free school meals? There are many benefits including, saving more than £450 a year per child, saving the time and hassle of shopping for and preparing packed lunches and knowing your child is getting a healthy, tasty cooked meal that can mean they achieve more on a full stomach. You could also be helping their school out as they get extra funding of up to £1480 a year per child to help children in their school.

Children may qualify for free school meals if you as a parent or guardian receive certain benefits, including Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit, or Child Tax Credit (with income below a set threshold*).

Additionally, children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 automatically receive Universal Infant Free School Meals, regardless of family income. Families with no recourse to public funds may also qualify, subject to income limits*.

*Your household earnings must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)