Are you Eligible for Free School Meals?

If you have children under 19 and in full-time education, you may be able to get free school meals for them.
To be eligible for free school meals the pupil must be attending a state-maintained school or receiving alternative education approved by Kent County Council and the pupil’s family must be in receipt of one of the following benefits.

Please provide the relevant proof of identity, as detailed below.:
•Income Support
•Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
•Child Tax Credit (not including Working Tax Credit) – If the household income is below £16,190.
•Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
•Asylum Seekers – Proof of support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
•An Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

We do accept bank or building society statements as they show which benefit is being received.

apply for FREE SCHOOL MEALS online

Kent County Council have an online application service for Free School Meals.

The Advantages

• Parents will be able to establish eligibility for Free School Meals instantly online
• Removal of the need for you to fax and post applications back to Kent County Council
• Removes the stigma attached to applying for Free School Meals
• Enables applications to be made via mobile phone, tablet, PC, Internet enabled TV or Console
• The new system will provide up to date information about which children can be offered free school meals
• Reduces costs associated with administration (i.e. postage) and incorrect meal provision
• Removes need for reapplication whilst eligibility continues

How will this work?

Parents will have the opportunity to complete an eligibility assessment themselves to establish whether they are entitled to Free School Meals. If eligible they can complete an application for Free School Meals via http://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/free-school-meals

Schools will be notified of any successful applications straight away via email, so that a Free School Meal can be provided the same day.