Free school meals
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We have produced a useful guide to free school meals. To download it, click on the PDF icon below:
Who can receive free school meals?
Free school meals can be received by children if the parent / guardian receives one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
Child Tax Credit, but not receiving Working Tax Credit, and your annual income as assessed by (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) does not exceed £15,575.
- Receiving support from the National Asylum Support Service.
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
The person making a claim for children's free school meals does not have to be the actual parent. A claim can be made by the person receiving benefits for the children.
How do I claim?
Claims for free school meals can be made by:
- an application to the Local Authority (LA) where the child attends a school maintained by the LA
- directly to the school if it is a foundation school
- By completing an application form available from your child's school.
- By contacting the Headteacher of the school if it is a foundation school.
When returning your application form, make sure all relevant questions and details are completed. Failure to do so will delay your application.
Where can I get a claim form?
You can get a claim form in a number of ways:
Online
You can request a form by using our online e-form (secure) or by e-mailing:
By phone
You can request a form contacting:
-
Phone: (01902) 551462/554128
In person
Forms can be obtained from your child's school
You can also collect a claim form from:
Children & Young People
Wolverhampton City Council
Civic Centre
St. Peter's Square
Wolverhampton
By post
You can request a form by writing to:
Pupil and Student Services
Children and Young People
Wolverhampton City Council
St. Peter's Square
Civic Centre
Wolverhampton
WV1 1RR
How to submit your application
Free school meals can be applied for when you begin receiving:
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance
or
- Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit and your annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) does not exceed £15,575
or
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
or
- at the beginning of school term when your child starts school, provided that you are in receipt of one of these benefits at that time.
Proof of receipt of Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Child Tax Credit or Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit and Child Benefit must be provided, along with your application form by evidence of any of the following items:-
- Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance letter from the (DSS)
- Income Support statement, Post Office account statement or letter from (DSS)
- Income Support payment must clearly show it is Income Support Benefit or the Income-Based form of Jobseeker's Allowance, rather than any other form of assistance
- Tax Credit Award notice (TC602)
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit Award notice M1000 and Child Benefit (Bank Statement clearly showing CHB next to the transaction,Child Benefit letter (within twelve months of date or Post Office account statement)
or
- Home Office papers confirming asylum seeker status, name, date of birth and address of all family members. Or alternatively please supply your NASS reference number and the name of the authority providing your support.
What if my circumstances change?
Your child or children will continue to receive free school meals whilst you receive Income Support or Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance as long as you continue to renew your entitlement.
If the Inland Revenue issues a revised Tax Credit Award notice (TC602) or M1000 to you, you must re-apply for free school meals.
Pupil & Student Services will send every three to twelve months a renewal application form for the purposes of checking your entitlement.
When returning the renewal form, you should also provide confirmation that you are still receiving any of the benefits listed above.
Cancellation of free school meals
If you wish to cancel your child's free school meals, you can do so at any time.
Parent, who cease to be in receipt of Income Support or Income-Based Jobseeker's Allowance must cancel their entitlement to free meals immediately.
You can send a cancellation instruction by a letter or phone call to:
Pupil and Student Services
Children and Young People
Wolverhampton City Council
Civic Centre
St. Peter's Square
Wolverhampton
WV1 1RR
Phone: (01902) 551462/554128
If the Inland Revenue issues a revised Tax Credit Award notice (TC602) or M1000 to you, you must re-apply for free school meals.
Any free meals provided after your entitlement ceases will be charged to parents.
Special dietary needs
If your child requires a meal with specific dietary needs (e.g. for medical, cultural or religious reasons), you should contact the Headteacher of your child's school.
Arrangements can be discussed to see what can be provided to meet their needs.