Below are some guidelines issued by the Local Education Authority on eligibility for Free School Meals and we would like to take the opportunity to encourage all parents to claim any benefits to which they are entitled.

Income Support:
Parents should have their form stamped by the Benefits Agency and returned to the school or County Hall.
Or:
Take their Income Support book to either the school or County Hall. We require that the front cover and third page (the page that states that they are in receipt of Income Support) of the Income Support book are photocopied and attached to the form.
Or:
If they have a letter from the Benefits Agency, dated within the last three months, that states they are currently in receipt of Income Support, this will need to be photocopied and attached to the form.

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance: The form will need to be stamped by the Benefits Agency and returned to the school or County Hall. We cannot accept photocopies of the appointment books. (Please note that we cannot accept bank statements as proof of the above benefits.)

Child Tax Credit:
A copy of the Inland Revenue Tax Credit Award Notice for the current year has to be taken to either the school or County Hall. (The National Assembly states that only parents who receive just Child Tax Credit without the Working Tax Credit and who have an income of less that £16,040 are eligible for free meals.)

If you have any queries regarding the above please contact Pupil and Student Services at County Hall on 029 2087 2927.

Click here to download the required form.