The County Council received, from the DCSF, notification of changes to free school meals eligibility criteria from April 2012.

With effect from April 2012 the taxable annual income limit (after benefits) has been re-assessed to £16,190 and colleagues who are responsible for performing free school meals eligibility checks will need to verify the income limit from individual Tax Credit Award Notices in line with existing procedures. It is important to note the period the notice applies to.

* With effect from May 2009 legislation was introduced to allow free school meals to children whose parents have just become unemployed or reduced their hours to less than 16 hours per week but who still receive working tax credit. This is only for a 4 week period to cover the time HMRC continue to give working tax credit after unemployment is declared (known as the ‘run on’ period). HMRC should issue a new Tax Credit Decision Notice as soon as they are informed by the applicant that they have stopped working/reduced their hours. Paper evidence should be requested by schools to support any claims. After the 4 weeks the parent will either move on to Job Seekers Allowance (Income based only) or Income Support, and qualify for free school meals, or get another job and revert to working tax credit and therefore not be eligible.

Please complete and return the Application Form below:

FSM Application form April 2020