Qualifying benefits
To get free school meals for your child, you or your partner must get one of the following
Income Support (IS).
Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA).
An Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance.
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
Child Tax Credit (provided you aren't entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an income
tha
t doesn't exceed the current year’s level.
The Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.
Working Tax Credit during the 4-week period immediately after your employment finished.
Universal Credit. (from 1 April 2018 your net earnings must not exceed £7400 per year for
you and any partner)
You do not need to provide proof of your qualifying benefit as we will check entitlement via a
secure government website.
Children who get Income Support, income-based Job Seekers Allowance or income-related
Employment Support Allowance in their own right can also apply for free school meals.
O
ther help is available for pupils aged 16-19 in full-time education from the Local Education
Authority.
If your child is struggling with the costs of learning they should speak to student services at their
school, college or training provider for more information.
Or contact Positive Steps free on 0800 195 8528
Un
iversal Infant Free School Meals
From September 2014 all children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in
England are eligible for Universal Infant Free School Meals. This includes academies, free
schools, pupil referral units and alternative provision as well as maintained schools.
They are available regardless of their parent’s or guardian’s income. Please contact your child's
school if you want them to receive a Universal Infant Free School Meal.
Ref
unds - If we award free school meals for a period of time you have paid for, you must
contact the school for a refund.
This form can be returned by post to Revenues & Benefits, PO Box 490, Rochdale OL16 9AJ
Or hand it in at one of our Customer Service Centres at: Number One Riverside, Smith St,
Rochdale, OL16 1XU. Middleton Library, Long St, Middleton, M24 6DU. Heywood Library, Lance
Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, OL10 1LL.
F
or more information on Free School Meals you can:
Phone us on: 0300 303 8870 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Or visit our website: www.rochdale.gov.uk
Find out how we use your personal information at rochdale.gov.uk/privacy.