Who can get free school meals? You can claim free school meals for your children if you are eligible for or in receipt of any of the following:

• Income Support 

• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance 

• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance 

• Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit and the household income is not more that £16,190. Please note anyone receiving Working Tax Credit, regardless of Income, will not qualify  

• the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit (from 30th April 2005)

• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• No recourse to public funds but meeting specific low-income limits to qualify, with the correct supporting evidence. 

How to apply You should complete the form, filling in the names of all the children you want to claim for. You only need to fill in one form even if your children go to different schools. 

Apply online Apply online using the online application form.|

Proof of benefit We don't always need to see proof of which benefit you are on in order to process your application. We can now check to see if you are entitled by using the National Free School Meals Eligibility Checking Service.  

For us to use this service and to process your claim quickly, you must make sure that you include your National Insurance number and own date of birth on the form.  Note: by signing the form the you are agreeing to allow us to check this service. 

If our check shows that you are not entitled we will ask for recent, written proof of benefit. Suitable written proof includes an Income Support book or a recent letter from the Benefits Agency giving details of the claim, your Pension Credit M1000 Award Notice or, in the case of Child Tax Credit, a form from the Inland Revenue detailing your entitlement.  

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 If you are receiving support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, please contact us, and we will give you more details of how to claim free meals for your children. 

Further Information If you would like to apply for free school meals please contact us at the address above or telephone either 0300 111 8007 (then select option 3) or email freeschoolmeals@staffordshire.gov.uk|