From September 2014 all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, have received a free school meal whether their parents are in receipt of benefits or not. If your child is in one of these year groups we still need you to apply for a free meal if you are receiving benefits.

Schools get extra funding for every child registered as eligible for a free school meal if their parents receive benefits. They use this money for lots of different activities for all ages through the school. Even if you do not want your child to receive a free meal, and they are eligible, don't let your school miss out on this important extra funding that will benefit your child. Free school meals children also receive free milk.

Parents of children in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 must still apply for a free meal and your eligibility will be checked.

• Does my child qualify?
• How do I apply for free school meals for my child?
• If I receive Working Tax credit, does my child qualify?

Does my child qualify?
If you receive benefits and your child attends a Leicester Primary School you will be eligible for free school meals.

• Income Support (IS)
• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income, as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), that does not exceed £16,190

You must tell us immediately if you stop receiving your benefit.

Apply for free school meals
If you meet the criteria you can apply by:

• Completing the online Free School Meals/Pupil Premium application form
• Collecting an application form from the school office and returning it to LCC

Proof of Child Benefit will have to be provided if this is your first application for free school meals. Eligibility for free school meals will not be backdated, so ensure you apply as soon as possible. Please note that providing us with an email address or mobile number (or both) will help to ensure we can regularly inform and update you on the progress of your application.

Working Tax Credit exception
If you receive Working Tax Credit your children may be entitled to free school meals:

• for no longer than four weeks from the date you became unemployed (or reduced your working hours to less than 16 per week) and started receiving Working Tax Credit.

In this case you will need to provide evidence of your benefit. You need to make sure this information shows the date you became unemployed, or the date you reduced your hours, because free school meals are only available to parents on Working Tax Credit run-on-paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

If you have been unemployed and receiving Working Tax Credit for longer than four weeks, then your children are not entitled to free school meals. If you increase your hours or begin working and continue to receive Working Tax Credit your free school meal entitlement will stop.