School meals
Free school meals
Infant Free School Meals
When schools are operating normally your child gets free school meals if they’re in:
- reception class
- year 1
- year 2
If you get any of the benefits listed below, your child’s school will get more funding. Apply online now if you’re entitled to make sure your child gets free school meals as they move to Year 3.
Free school meals for children in Year 3 and older
Older children may get free school meals if their parents or carers get any of these benefits:
- Universal Credit - GOV.UK – 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)
- Income Support - GOV.UK
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - GOV.UK
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - GOV.UK
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - GOV.UK
- The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit -GOV.UK
- Child Tax Credit - GOV.UK, only, if your annual household income (assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) isn’t over £16,190
[Anyone who gets Working Tax Credit - GOV.UK, won’t get free meals regardless of income]
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Children will get free school meals if they meet the criteria and are in school both before and after lunchtime.
Children eligible for free school meals on or after 1 April 2018 will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2025 even if your circumstances change.
Our Electronic Checking Service might be able to confirm entitlement. If not, you’ll need to show recent proof that you qualify. Meals cannot be given until eligibility is verified.
Apply online if your child goes to school in East Sussex.
If your child goes to school outside the county or to one of the East Sussex academies listed below, speak to the school about how to apply.
Secondary academies:
- The Eastbourne Academy
Primary academies:
- Ark Blacklands
- Ark Castledown
- Ark Little Ridge
- Breakwater
- Burfield
- Hawkes Farm
- High Cliff
- Peacehaven Heights
- Phoenix
- Telscombe Cliffs
- White House
Further information
The Admissions and Transport Team administer free school meals.
Help your family be healthier and happier by eating well and moving more change4life - NHS
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