Free School Meals

Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2

All Key Stage 1 (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) pupils are entitled to receive a free school meal. This is part of the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) initiative and regardless of what benefits are being claimed.

However, some children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 may also have an entitlement to benefits-related Free School Meals. Children in this group are also eligible for Pupil Premium – additional funding paid to the school to support your child in their learning. It is important to apply for benefits-related Free School Meals if you think your child may be eligible. This is so that your child’s school can receive this funding.

Children in Year 3 and above

Your child may be eligible for benefits-related free school meals if you, or the child themselves, meet the eligibility criteria.

If eligible for Free School Meals, your child will also be eligible for pupil premium. This is additional funding paid to the school to support your child in their learning.

Free school meals eligibility criteria if you receive benefits

A child is eligible for free school meals if their parent/carer (or the child themselves) receives any of the following benefits:

Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
Income Support (IS)
Job Seekers' Allowance (Income-Based) and equal based Job Seekers Allowance
Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA-IR) and equal based Employment and Support Allowance
Child Tax Credit (CTC) with an annual income of less than £16,190
Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Guarantee Element of Pension Credit (GPC)
Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (IAA) Supports

If you are claiming the benefits listed below you are not eligible for free school meals. This is regardless of what other benefits/credits are being claimed.

Working Tax Credit
Contribution-Based Job Seeker's Allowance and/or Contribution-Based Employment and Support Allowance

For more information and the application process, please follow the link: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/education-and-learning/schools-and-colleges/school-meals/application-for-free-school-meals-and-pupil-premium/