FAMILIES across Essex may be able to get free school meals for their children – but eligibility depends on a child’s age and the benefits received by their parent or carer.
Children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive a free school lunch under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
However, low-income families whose children will be using free school meals are encouraged to let the school know they are using the service, as this can help the school apply for more funding.
For children in Year 3 and above, free school meals are available to families receiving certain qualifying benefits. These include Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Guarantee Credit and support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Families may also qualify if they receive Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, and have an annual income below £16,190.
Those receiving Universal Credit can be eligible where their household’s annual income — after tax and excluding benefits — is £7,400 or less.
A four-week Working Tax Credit run-on after a claim ends is also included.
Parents and carers can apply online through Essex County Council’s free school meals application page.
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Applications are usually processed within 15 working days, although the council warns this may take longer during September’s busy back-to-school period.
Parents whose children moved from Year 6 into Year 7 this term were advised to apply from August 1, selecting their new secondary school on the form.
Applications for other year groups can be made at any point during the school year.
If a school does not appear in the online form’s drop-down list, families should contact the school directly for advice on applying.
To apply, visit the Essex County Council website.
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