Free School Meals

In England, all pupils in Reception, Year 1 & 2 in a state funded school are entitled to a Universal free school meal, though you may also qualify for income-related free school meals and it’s essential you still register them. This is because schools receive a ‘pupil premium’ – an extra payment for each eligible child which they can spend on valuable services.

Benefit based free school meals are provided for all pupils who meet the criteria below:
Who qualifies?
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• The guaranteed element of the State Pension Credit
• Universal credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190. (If you have previously claimed free school meals prior to 1st April 2018 then there is no cap on your earnings).
• Where a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit Run-on, paid for four weeks after you stop
qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• If you are receiving support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 you must contact
Achievement Cohesion and Integration Service (ACIS).
Bolton residents can apply in the following ways

• Apply online
https://www.bolton.gov.uk/free-school-meals-clothing-allowance/free-school-meals-help-school-uniform

• Apply by telephone
If you are claiming housing benefit and/or council tax reduction which is assessed using one of the qualifying incomes above, for example, Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance, then we should be able to process your free school meal applications and renewals over the phone, so, please call 01204 331590.

However, if we are unable to process your application when you call, usually because there is no current housing benefit and/or council tax reduction claim in payment, or the income that entitled you to claim free school meals has been ended on your claim, you will need to apply in person.

• Apply in person
Parents are advised to visit the One Stop Shop at the Town Hall for further information on
applying for free school meals.