Free School Meals

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if your household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

• younger than the compulsory age for starting school
• in full-time education

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they'll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they're in on 31 March 2023.

If you receive working tax credits you may not be eligible for free school meals or clothing grants.

Children who receive Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals.

Free schools meals are available to statutory school aged children attending full time education (full days only 9am to 3pm), excluding private nurseries and further education colleges.

Please Note:  All children who currently receive free school meals and clothing grants do not need to apply each year.

• where possible all parents and guardians should apply online - you will receive an immediate response advising you whether you are eligible or not  
• if you are unable to apply online please contact the free school meals team - telephone: 01228 606060

If you already apply and qualify for Free School Meals, you will automatically receive a voucher during the school holidays. Your school will purchase the vouchers on your behalf. 

If you have any questions about holiday vouchers please speak to your child's school. 

https://emsonline.cumbria.gov.uk/CitizenPortal_LIVE/en