Free School Meals

Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from 6^th of April 2010

From 6 April 2010 there will be a change to the income ‘threshold’, which forms part of the ‘Tax Credit’ free school meal eligibility category.  The new threshold figure will be £16,190.

Am I Eligible For Free School Meals?

Children whose parents/guardians/carers  receive the following support payments are entitled to receive free school meals:

• Income support (IS) or you are a pupil receiving the benefit in your own right Income Support (IS);
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA);
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA(IR)) (this benefit was introduced on 27 October 2008);
• support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; or
• Child Tax Credit Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) that as of 6 April 2010 does not exceed £16,190.
• the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit.
• Children who receive IS or IBJSA in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals.

It should be noted that children who receive “education suitable for children who have not attained compulsory school age” will still need to satisfy the additional requirement of “receiving education both before and after the lunch period”, before being eligible to receive free school meals.

If You Think You Are Eligible

All you have to do is phone the number below and we will let you know if the Children in your care are entitled to Free School Meals.
Free School Meals Helpline - 0300 123 5012. Alternatively you can complete the Free School Meals enquiry form online.

We will assess your claim using our eligibility checker to confirm your entitlement; if successful your claim will begin the same day. If your claim is not successful or if we require any further information we will contact you by phone or email.

What Happens Next?

Your entitlement will begin on the day your fully completed application form with the required proof of eligibility is received at the Customer Contact Centre, Middlewich, not the date you become eligible to any of the stated benefits. Claims will NOT be backdated. A letter of entitlement will be issued to you by this office.

How Are The Arrangements Reviewed?

Eligibility for free school meals is reviewed periodically and providing you are still eligible your claim will be renewed automatically. It may be necessary for parents/carers to re-apply completing an application form; this will be sent out to you if required.

You must notify the Customer Contact Centre, Middlewich:-

• If you stop receiving any of the stated benefits or commence receiving Working Tax Credit
• Your child changes school or leaves school
• You change your address

Address Details

Main Office:
Free School Meals,
PO BOX 314,
Middlewich,
Cheshire CW7 9EJ.

Telephone: Cheshire East - 0300 123 5012
Fax: 01606 274338
Email: freeschoolmeals@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Or

Any Cheshire Maintained School