Free School Meals
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Free School Meals
We encourage all parents/carers to check if their child is entitled to free school meals. Being registered for free school meals benefits the student and the school.
In the past, Manchester City Council have been able to tell us which students are entitled to free school meals (FSM) based on their knowledge of who receives benefits such as housing benefit and council tax support. However, from 11th of June 2018 they will no longer be able to do this because the introduction of Universal Credit means that people will no longer claim these benefits.
It is very important that we know who is entitled to FSM (Free School Meals), not only so that we can provide your child with a lunch free of charge, but also because the school will receive additional funding, which we use to support your child’s education and ensure that they reach their full potential.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO…
From 1st of April 2018 the only way we will know if we should give your child free school meals is if you check your eligibility online.
Free School Meals Application Form
If you experience any difficulty with this process, please contact the school office who will be pleased to assist you wherever possible.
WHAT IS THE QUALIFYING CRITERIA FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS?
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
- 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 guarantee 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 four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit