Free school meals: Who is eligible and how to apply

Posted by: Laura Hammond

Thu 2nd September 2021

The start of the new academic year is here – and there is still time to apply for free school meals if your child is eligible.

Thanks to a government scheme, all children in reception and years one and two are entitled to free school meals.

The policy is universal, which means there is no qualifying criteria.

For children in other school years – and aged up to 18 – they could be entitled to free school meals if they meet certain qualifying criteria.

Criteria includes income-based jobseekers allowance, income support and Universal Credit with a annual net income less than £7,400.

Applications for free school meals – for a child of any age – can be made through Derbyshire County Council.

You can find out more about the eligibility criteria and application process here:

https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/your-child-at-school/meals/school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1GTEcRM5ktco56ZRJViqR1boxZhL8Dh6vDRDQ23RdFke6-ZcU_Zjpjc00

Image Gallery