• 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 guaranteed 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 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child will receive Pupil Premium Funding in addition to free school meals so it is important you apply if you are eligible. This money is used to try and close the gap in attainment for disadvantaged pupils.

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.

Infant free school meals in England

Your child will be able to get free school meals if they’re in a government-funded school and in:

• reception class
• year 1
• year 2

Tell us (or apply to the local authority on the link above) if you also get any of the qualifying benefits listed previously. We can get extra funding for your child if you do.