Children eligible for free school meals must be in school all day, and they will be provided with a meal at lunchtime which is paid for by the school.
It is the responsibility of the parents or carers to register their entitlement and request free school meals for their children.
Children in pre-school or nursery (known as childcare providers) do not qualify for a free meal until they start school. But applications will be processed so that when your child starts school, you will already be notified whether they qualify for a free school meal or not.
Parents and carers who receive any of the following are entitled to free school meals:
- Income Support (IS)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
- Universal Credit with an annual household income of less than £7400 after tax
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA)
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit, with an annual taxable income (as assessed by HMRC) of less than £16,190
Only the benefits listed above qualify for free school meals. If you have recently become unemployed, but are still receiving Working Tax Credits, you may be entitled to free school meals. Please phone us on 0300 123 2224 for advice.
If you meet the criteria listed above, please complete the application form on Somerset Council’s website.
