Free School Meals

Am I Eligible For Free School Meals?

Pupils whose parents / guardians / carers receive one of the following may be able to claim for Free School Meals:

Income support (IS) or you are a pupil receiving the benefit in your own right
Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA(IR) (From 27th October 2008)

Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) as of April 2009 that does not exceed £16,040.

Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

If You Think You Are Eligible

All you have to do is phone the number below and we will let you know if the Children in your care are entitled to Free School Meals.

Free School Meals Helpline - 0300 123 7039

We will assess your claim over the phone using our eligibility checker to confirm your entitlement; if successful your claim will begin the same day.

What Happens Next?

Your entitlement will begin on the day your application is processed by the Customer Contact Centre, Winsford, not the date you become eligible to any of the stated benefits. Claims will NOT be backdated. A letter of entitlement will be issued to you by this office."

How Are The Arrangements Reviewed?

Eligibility for free school meals is reviewed periodically and providing you are still eligible your claim will be renewed automatically. It may be necessary for parents/carers to re-apply completing an application form; this will be sent out to you if required.

You must notify the Customer Contact Centre if:-

You stop receiving any of the stated benefits or commence receiving Working Tax Credit
Your child changes school or leaves school
You change your address

Contact Details

Main Office:
Free School Meals Team
Wyvern House,
The Drumber,
Winsford CW7 1AH

Telephone: 0300 123 7039
Fax: 01606 862100

Telephone: 0300 123 7039
Fax: 01606 274338.

or

Contact any Cheshire Maintained School.