Free school meals are one way to relieve some of the pressure on families feeling the pinch this winter. But who is eligible for the government-funded scheme, what does it include and how do you apply?
The good news is that all children in reception, year one and year two are entitled to receive free school meals regardless of their family's income. Schools should write to parents and guardians to share details of this, but if they haven't make sure to reach out.
Across Liverpool, if you or a partner are in receipt of benefits, then your child should be entitled to free school meals. You can apply for this on the Liverpool council website.
Read more: Knowsley kids may be more likely to be at risk of shrinking food portions if schools downgrade meals
Does my child qualify for free school meals?
If your child is in reception, year one or year two, then they will be eligible for free school meals regardless of your income or benefit entitlement. If you or a partner, are in receipt of applicable benefits, then your child's school will be able to apply for extra funding called the pupil premium.
If your child is in year three to year 11, then parents or guardians who receive certain benefits will be able to apply for free school meals. This also applies for nursery children aged three to four.
What benefits are accepted?
If you or your partner receive any of the following benefits you can apply for free school meals for your child.
- Universal Credit - your household earned annual income must be less than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support Allowance
- Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed part of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit – with no Working Tax Credit and your annual household income is no more than £16,190, as assessed by the Inland Revenue
How do I apply for free school meals for my child?
Applications for free school meals are made to individual councils, depending on where you live. The Government website can direct you to the correct council website to apply.
For Liverpool City Council, parents can apply here. The decision is instant and you will be told whether or not you qualify after completing the application.
Remember, if your child is in reception, year one or year two and you receive a qualifying benefit, make sure you apply so the school gets the extra funding. They will receive free school meals regardless of income.
What is the pupil premium extra funding?
If your child is eligible for free school meals, the school will get extra funding for your child’s education when you apply. It is roughly £1,320 per child in primary school and £935 per child in secondary school.
This funding is called the pupil premium. The money can be used to help with the cost of school trips, extra teaching staff and activities.
How long will my child receive free school meals?
If you receive or are moving to Universal Credit, your child will get free school meals until March 2023, regardless of any changes to your household income.
After March 2023, children who no longer meet the eligibility criteria at that point will continue to receive free school meals until the end of their current phase of education, i.e. primary or secondary.
For example:
- If your child is in year 4 in 2023, they will receive free school meals until they finish primary school. They will not be eligible for secondary school if your and your partner’s income is more than £7,400 per year.
- If your child is in year 9 in 2023, they will receive free school meals until they finish secondary school even if your income is more than £7,400 per year.
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