Free school transport - low family income

To apply, you will need either:

  • your National Insurance number, or
  • a scanned copy of your most recent Tax Credit award notice.

We process applications in two stages:

  • Eligibility: we will make a decision on whether your child is entitled to transport support. We aim to make a decision within 10 working days of receiving your application. Applications for the next school year will not be processed until after 1 July.
  • Travel arrangements: we decide on which mode of travel is appropriate. This can take up to 10 working days. You will need to organise your own transport until your travel permit is available. 

Eligible journeys
We supply transport to get children between their home and school for the timetabled school day. At other times, you will have to make your own arrangements.

Changes to your circumstances
You must inform us immediately if you move house or your child changes school.

Paper documents
If you need to send us any paper documents, please mark them with your child's name. Send paper documents to the address below:

Admissions and Transport team
East Sussex County Council
County Hall
St Anne’s Crescent
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1UE

Email: free.schoolmeals@eastsussex.gov.uk

To find out how we use your data, please read the Transport hub services - privacy notice. 

Application form

To make an application to East Sussex County Council, your child(ren) must live in East Sussex. If they live outside of East Sussex, you will need to make an application to the local authority in which they live.

To find a different local authority, please visit GOV.UK