Benefits

How to apply for free school meals

Parents/carers of children attending a school in York can apply for free school meals and the Pupil Premium online; see details of Free School Meal online applications.

Alternatively, you can complete a Free School Meal application form; if you want to have an application form sent to you by post, contact us on email: businesssupportschoolservices@york.gov.uk.

If you apply for Free School Meals through City of York Council, when we process your application, we'll:

  • use your details to check your child's eligibility for free school meals by checking information held by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education
  • write to you asking for proof of benefit if necessary - all proofs must be dated within the last 3 months (or for tax credits, the current financial year) and clearly state your entitlement to a qualifying benefit
  • not be able to return original proofs to you, so you should only send copies
  • inform your child's school of their eligibility

If you apply online through Parent Portal:

  • you will be given an immediate indication of your eligibility result. However, if you are eligible, we will confirm the criteria of your eligibility (targeted or extended) after 10 July 2026
  • we will inform your child’s school

If you apply through the City of York Council Parent Portal, you allow the use of the data provided for the purpose of checking whether your children are entitled to Free School Meals. You allow the sharing of the data provided within the application with the schools your children attend and its Local Authority, for the purpose of providing Free School Meals. This includes re-applying for Free School Meals in the future. If you do not agree to this, you must contact us before you make an application on email: businesssupportschoolservices@york.gov.uk.

We'll use and process the information you provide for the purposes of your application. If you wish to read how we use your information and why, you can check the privacy notice in the Inclusive Education – Admissions, FAM, Appeals and Free School Meal Privacy Notice.

If you apply through a different checking service linked to your child’s school, their application process can be confirmed with the school or checking service.

Free school meal claims

We treat all claims made through City of York Council in confidence, and schools provide the same meals whether they're paid for or provided free.

Your child doesn't have to take up a meal every day - you can still provide a 'pack up' as and when you want to.

If your school does not sign up for the City of York Council eligibility scheme, the school may require you to apply for free school meals direct to them or to their provider. Please check with school whether their free school applications are made through the council or through the school.

If your child attends one of the following schools, you can apply for Free School Meals on the appropriate website:

If you child attends a college or school other than those listed here, please contact the school or college directly for details of their application process.

Also see

Benefits appointments

Contact us for an appointment to get benefits advice in person at West Offices.

Make an appointment

Inclusive Education Service

West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA

Telephone: 01904 551554

Free school meals appeal

Get details of York Hungry Minds appeal, raising funds to provide universal free school meals for children in York’s primary schools, helping all children to have the same opportunities to learn and thrive, no matter the circumstances where they grow up.

York Hungry Minds
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Apply for free school meals

Free school meals applications are submitted through the online Parent Portal.

Parent portal

Sign language interpreting service

If you use British Sign Language (BSL) you can access our BSL interpreting service when visiting West Offices, and when contacting us remotely.

BSL Interpreting Service