Educational awards and benefits - free school meals

Free School Meals(FSM) are not provided automatically, they are available to people who are classed as unemployed and receiving a qualifying benefit. 

The parent, guardian or student needs to complete an application and provide up-to-date proof of benefit from the time their benefit begins.  An application cannot be made retrospectively, the FSM process is a set criteria and there is no appeals process.

Children who receive Income Support(IS) or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance(IBJSA) in their own right are also entitled to claim free meals under the same application process.

If a child attends school or the parent /guardian resides in Northumberland the applicant can apply to Northumberland Authority for free school meals.

Refunds for free school meals are only made in exceptional circumstances. These are handled on an individual basis.

How do I apply?

Free School Meals application forms are available from any school or from:
FSM Office
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
NE61 2EF

The application form can also be downloaded by clicking here 

Forms can be returned to the school or The FSM office.  Benefit details for applications can be checked by us on receipt of the application form although on some occasions the information cannot be found.  If you have an up to date letter confirming your benefit please enclose it with your form.  Whether you have proof of benefit or not please return your form to us as soon as possible. 

What do I need to qualify?

To be eligible for help you need to be in one of the following categories:

• Receive Income Support(IS) or Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (IBJSA).
• Receive Income Related Employment Allowance (IREA).
• Have an entitlement to Child Tax Credit (CTC), but not Working Tax Credit (WTC) and the family's annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) is not more than £16,190 for tax year 2010/2011(this figure changes on an annual basis).
• Receive support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
• Receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit.

What if I receive Working Tax Credit?

You will not be entitled to Free School Meals if you, or your partner, receive any Working Tax Credit on a regular basis.

However, where a parent is entitled to 'Working Tax Credit Run On' during the four week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week, their children are entitled to Free School Meals.

We are unable to directly confirm this 4 week period of eligibility via the Hub so we must ask parents to provide a copy of their Tax Credit decision notice.

We can not accept bank statements!  A photocopy of one of the qualifying benefit letters will be sufficient.

How long will the process take?

Applications are processed as quickly as possible however, at peak times forms are dealt with in strict datal order therefore the timing for a response to an application depends on the volume of forms awaiting processing.  Claims are started from the nearest Monday from the date an application is received at the FSM office or the date handed in at a school, providing the proof of benefit supplied is sufficient.

How often do I apply?

Claims for free school meals are reviewed annually and applications will be automatically extended if we receive confirmation of benefit using our electronic system.

Any meals due to expire within the next 6 weeks will be electronically checked and extended for a further year if benefit results are correct. 

If the benefit results come back as not found a reminder letter and application form will be sent out to you for completion.  The completed form and a recent proof of benefit should be returned to either the FSM office or the school before the meals expire. 

When would I not be eligible?

You are not eligible if you are in one or more of the following categories:

• Part time pupils (children at nursery) are not entitled to free school meals. To qualify children must be receiving education before and after the lunch period.
• Pupils whose parents receive other state benefits but not those mentioned above.
• Pupils whose parents receive Working Tax Credit on a regular basis.
• Pupils who are in foster care, if a child is fostered the Carer will be receiving an allowance which covers all costs for the child, including meals at home and school.

What if my circumstances change?

Schools and the FSM office should be notified immediately of any changes:

If you start work and your benefit changes/stops

• If you change address
• If your child changes school
• If you change your name

Failure to notify us of a change of circumstance may affect your child's entitlement to free school meals. If your child receives free meals when they are no longer eligible, you will be required to reimburse the school any monies owed.

If you have not informed us of a change of address or you do not renew your award, your entitlement will be cancelled. You will be responsible for the payment of any meals taken and this will not be refunded, meals will not be backdated, it is your responsibility to keep us informed.

What if my child is excluded from school?

If your child has been excluded from school and is placed in an Alternative Provision, the entitlement to free school meals may be cancelled because the establishment may not have the provision to provide school meals and you may have to supply your child with a packed lunch. Please check with your child's Alternative Provision provider.

Can I claim anything else for my child?

The approval of a FSM application would entitle a child to:-

Free milk - in First or Special school milk at break-time will be free for the time the child is entitled to free school meals. The child's school will make the appropriate arrangements for the free milk.

• Help with music tuition and instruments - The child's school will make the appropriate arrangements for this service.
• Help with curriculum related residential trips or school visits - The child's school will make the appropriate arrangements for this service.
• You mabe able to claim a computer package through the Home Acces Grant Scheme.