Families who qualify for certain state benefits do not have to pay for meals at their children's school.

Eligibility

From April 2008, parents will be entitled to claim free school meals if their income is £15,575 or less (set yearly and subject to change on an annual basis) and if you receive any of the following benefits: 

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance 
• Income Support
• Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
• Child Tax Credit (provided your annual income is £15,575 or less and you are not receiving any Working Tax Credit).
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit

 
The grant can be provided for children from the age of 5 including children attending a sixth form attached to a school.

Even if you don't want your child to have a free school meal regularly, please complete and return a form as it could increase the level of funding that your child's school receives.

City of York schools provide school meals that meet the Government's new guidelines in nutritional standards. We use fresh meat and poultry which is sourced regionally, fresh local fruit and vegetables whenever possible, and food is prepared and freshly cooked each day.

How to apply

Complete the form which can be downloaded here and bring it in or post it to us including evidence of entitlement to one of the qualifying benefits listed.  Please do not email the form as we require your signature and evidence of benefits.  Please contact us if you do not have any proof available. 

We try to inform schools of any new claim for Free School Meals as soon as possible, usually on a weekly basis. We can make special arrangements if your entitlement to a current claim for free meals is likely to run out before a new application can be processed.

Free meals will be provided by the school up to the date we know you are still entitled to receive benefit. Free School Meals need to be renewed after this date. You will usually be sent a letter telling you they are due to end.

Frequently asked questions

How will the school know my child does not have to pay for school meals?

The school(s) will be notified directly by the Access Team that your child/ren can have a school meal free of charge.  All claims will be treated in the strictest confidence and handled sensitively by the school. Whatever system the school has in place, the same meals are provided to all children whether they are paid for or provided free. Your child should not feel singled out.

What if my child doesn't want a school dinner every day?

Your child doesn't have to have a school dinner every day, but it's helpful if all children tell their school at the start of each week which days they will be wanting a school dinner. Menus are given to all children to take home so you know what is being served.  Free school meal entitlement can mean more government funding for the school and the authority to target money where it is needed.

What do I do if my circumstances change?

If you stop claiming the qualifying benefits, please contact the Access Team immediately and do not allow your child to take free school meals otherwise you will be asked to pay for them later.  You will also need to tell us about any changes of home address or school etc.  If in doubt, get in touch.

I do not receive any of the benefits shown but am struggling financially.  Can I appeal?

No, the criteria are set by the Government, and there is no appeals process.  You can reapply if you start receiving the benefits.  The local authority and school governing bodies are not allowed to provide free meals under any other scheme.