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Free School Meals

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From April 2018 the criteria used to determine free school meals entitlement has changed to reflect the introduction of Universal Credit and the phasing out of other benefits.

What are the new eligibility criteria?

Children are entitled to receive free school meals if they or their parents or guardians receive any of the benefits below:

• 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 – (with an annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax and not including any benefits you get)

I don’t currently claim free school meals – what does this mean for me?

If you think you might be eligible for free school meals, submit a claim to us or local authority using https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/at-school/free-school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx#year3.

Have your National Insurance number or Home Office number ready when you apply.

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until March 2025, or until they finish their current phase of schooling (primary or secondary), if that’s after the end of March 2025.

If you are eligible, we will be notified and your child will receive free school meals and the school will receive extra funding.

Where can I get more information?

If you need any further information, please speak to Mr K Jones, Finance Manager jonesk@haileyburyturnford.com or your local authority. You can also visit the free school meal website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals.

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