Free school meals

Eligibility

Free school meals are available only to children whose parents/guardians are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

Income Support
Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Families in receipt of Child Tax Credit will also qualify provided that (a) they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit, and (b) their annual income, as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs does not exceed £16,190 as at 6 April 2010 (subject to annual review).
Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

No other benefits qualify for free school meals.

Applications for free meals should be made directly to the school(s) the children attend.

Proof of benefit is required before free meals can be authorised.

If parents/guardians believe they qualify for free school meals, a copy of the application form for Free School Meals can be printed and completed:

The form should be handed into the school that their children attend.

Note: No change was made to the criteria in 2011 and therefore the information shown here, dated from 2010 is valid.

For more information about Free School Meals in Hampshire, please call 023 8062 7738.

You may also be entitled to receive a grant for school uniform. For more information see the Children's Services information.