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Free school meals
Who should get them and how to apply
The short address for this page is www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals How do I apply for free school meals? To apply, you need to fill out an application form. A copy of the form can be downloaded below (there is no need to print it on pink paper). Alternatively, forms and leaflets are available from the Transport and Benefits Team or from your child's school. You need to send the application form to the Access to Education Team or to your child's school. Who can apply: You can apply for free school meals for your child if you receive one of the following benefits. If you are not sure, please contact the Transport and Benefits Team. The Government does not allow us to recognise any other benefit other than those mentioned. Young people who receive Income Support (IS) or Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA) in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals at sixth form.
(NB: Children who attend a further education or tertiary college will need to contact them directly to request assistance.) - Income Support (IS)
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance (JSAIB) (If you receive contribution-based Jobseekers Allowance you will not qualify.)
- Support for Asylum Seekers (AS)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC) provided you do not receive Working Tax Credit and that your annual income (as assessed by her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) does not exceed £16,190.
- Guaranteed Pension Credit (GPC)
- Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Acceptable proof would be: - A letter from the Benefits Agency, Job Centre or HM Revenue and Customs dated within the last four months.
- A photocopy of your HM Revenue and Customs form TC602 for the current financial year. If it is older than four months then we will need to see a bank statement confirming that the payments have not been changed. This form must show that you are receiving Child Tax Credit, not Working Tax Credit, and your annual income is below £16,190.
- A letter from the Home Office, National Asylum Support Service or Social Services.
- A letter from the Department of Work and Pensions dated within the last four months, clearly stating that you receive the guarantee element of state pension credit.
Temporary qualification for Free School Meals If you are entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment ceases, or after you start to work less than 16 hours per week, you will be eligible to claim free school meals over that period.
We are unable to directly confirm this 4-week period of eligibility against central benefit records so we must ask you to apply by completing a paper application form and sending it to us with a copy of your Tax Credit Decision Notice, which will be issued immediately by HMRC to a claimant who has notified them that they have stopped working. Applications will not be accepted without this document and free school meals authorisation will not be granted prior to the date of application, or extended beyond the end date shown on the Tax Credit Decision Notice. In order to qualify for free school meals after that date you will need to be in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits listed above, and evidence of this provided.
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