Free School Meals

If you think your child may qualify for Free School Meals, please read the following information so that you can begin to start the claim process.

Why should I claim for Free School Meals?

It is really important, that if you feel you may be entitled to claim for Free School Meals, that you do so. This is because there is additional government funding awarded to the school, called the Pupil Premium, which is awarded to schools according to the number of children in receipt of Free School Meals. This means that claiming for Free School Meals could also help your child receive other benefits at school. Therefore, if you do feel you are entitled to claim, it is very much in your, your child and the school’s interest that you do make this claim. You can even claim and then not take the school hot dinner if your child does not like it; or, your child can just have the school dinners on the days they wish to.

What are the eligibility criteria to claim for Free School Meals?

The current criteria for claiming free school meals are that you must be in receipt of one or more of the following;

• Income Support (IS)
• Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
• Child Tax Credit, provided the annual taxable income, as assessed by the Inland Revenue is not in excess of £16,190. 
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
• The Guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Children who receive Income Support (IS) or Income Jobseekers Allowance in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals

How do I claim for Free School Meals?

To make a claim for Free School Meals, you will need to register for a portal account via the link below:-

Free School Meals | Leicestershire County Council

County Hall
Glenfield
Leicester
LE3 8RB

Tel: 0116 305 5417

Do I have to apply every year?

You will need to apply annually to check your FSM entitlement. Households must meet the eligibility criteria each year to be entitled to free school meals for that academic year.

Further Information

If you would like any further information about Free School Meals, please call in to the school office and we will be able to assist you.