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 Admissions and Transfer 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, together with proof of benefit shown below.

Who can apply and what proof of benefit do they need to provide

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 Admissions and Transfer 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) - a copy of your letter from Jobcentre Plus that clearly states that you receive Income Support
• Jobseekers Allowance (JSAIB) - a copy of your letter from Jobcentre Plus that clearly states that you receive Income-based Jobseekers Allowance.
• Support for Asylum Seekers (AS) - a copy of your letter from the Home Office that nconfirms you receive support provided under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) - you must provide a copy of your tax credit award notice (form TC602) for the current financial year. This must show that 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)  - a copy of your M1000 Pension Credit Award Notice from the Department for Work and Pensions, which clearly shows that you are in receipt of the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - a copy of your letter confirming you are in receipt of this benefit.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) - Free School Meals Commonly asked questions about financial support and benefits for school children