Did you know – if you are on benefits, your child may be entitled to free school meals?
Every day children and young people across Leeds are missing out on their free school meal. Child Friendly Leeds encourages families to check if they are eligible – it could save over £11.00 a week for each child.
Who is entitled to Free School Meals?
If you are the parent, foster parent, network family carer or guardian of children at school, and you are on a low income, you could be entitled to free school meals.
Young people, who are still at school but receive income support in their own right, can also receive free school meals.
Your children are entitled to free school meals if you receive:
- income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance, or
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Universal Credit, if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
- support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or
- Child Tax Credit, if you have an annual taxable income (as assessed by H M Revenue and Customs) which does not exceed £16,190
- if your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll continue to receive them until they move to a new stage of school, such as from primary into secondary school
If you’re on any of the above benefits, it’s still important to register for a free school meal to ensure your child’s school doesn’t miss out on additional funding called pupil premium.
Please note, if you are entitled to Working Tax Credit you do not qualify for free school meals, unless you are receiving Working Tax Credit Run-on. This is paid for 4 weeks after your employment ends or your hours reduce to under 16 hours per week.
For further details, please contact the Leeds Welfare and Benefits Service on 0113 222 4404 or visit the Leeds City Council website
