Don’t miss out on extra funding for your child’s school – tell us if you get any of the qualifying benefits.
If your child isn't registered for Free School Meals and you receive any of the following benefits, your child may be able to get free school meals:
- 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 may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:
- younger than the compulsory age for starting school
- in full-time education
Currently all children entitled to free school meals will receive them until they finish either primary or secondary education. This continues even if your income increases. This is called transitional protection.
Access to this protection will end from 1 April 2025 so if you apply after then, and your earnings go above £7,400 net per annum (£616.67 per month), your child will no longer be eligible for free school meals. You will need to apply for them again if your income goes down.
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
Apply online
Only apply if your child currently has a Leicestershire school place – applications are not accepted in advance.
If you're ready to apply:
Apply online for free school meals
Please note: this is a new portal and you will need to register.
If you need help using the portal please view our: