Applying for Free School Meals

I am on a low income. How do I apply for Free School Meals?

You can apply online using the link below :

https://www.essex.gov.uk/free-school-meals

Infants
Children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. This is called Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM). You don’t need to apply for UIFSM, just let your child’s school know.

Children in year 3 and above
Your child may be eligible for free school meals (FSM) if you are receiving any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit), with an annual income below £16,190
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance, income related
• Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999
• Working Tax Credit run-on, paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit, with a household income of £7,400 or less (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Your application will be refused if you’re not receiving any of the listed benefits. Please consider this before applying.

If your child changes school or address, you will need to reapply for free school meals.