Could my child be entitled to free school meals?

Gov.UK states that your child may be able to receive free school meals if you are in receipt of any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax 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)
• Children who are paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

• Younger than the compulsory age for starting school
• In full-time education

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2023.

If you believe you are entitled to Free School Meals (FSM), please use the Online Free School Meal Checker - we no longer use the services of Bracknell Forest Council. The system allows you to check your eligibility online, without having to complete and submit the paper copy of the form. 

Universal Infant Free School Meals

Children in the following classes are all eligible to receive a free school meal:

• Reception
• Year 1
• Year 2

Even if your child is in one of these classes and is automatically entitled to claim a free school meal, it is still important that you apply for free school meals. This will make sure the school receives the extra government funding to which they are entitled to.

How to apply for Free School Meals

If you believe you are entitled to Free School Meals (FSM), please use the Online Free School Meal Checker.  The system allows you to check your eligibility online, without having to complete and submit the paper copy of the form.  The link to the online application system can be found at https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims-greenshawlearningtrust