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)
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 6 April 2008 that does not exceed £15,575
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 - 01625 374777
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.
Alternatively you can apply using a Free School Meals Application Form; you will need to provide evidence of your entitlement, please see below for details of the evidence required for each benefit:-
Income support (IS)
Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA);
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;
- A letter or Card (similar to an Identity Card) provided by the Home Office.
Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income that does not exceed £15,575;
- Forward form TC602, the Tax Credit Award Notice for the current year issued by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Guarantee element of State Pension Credit;
- Full letter of entitlement will need to be produced
Having completed all sections and signed the Form, Post or Fax your claim to:
Free School Meals
PO BOX 314
Middlewich
Cheshire
CW7 9EJ
Fax: 01606 274338
What Happens Next?
Your entitlement will begin on the day your fully completed application form with the required proof of eligibility is received at the Customer Contact Centre, Middlewich, 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, Middlewich:-
- 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, PO BOX 314, Middlewich, Cheshire CW7 9EJ.
Telephone: 01625 374777
Fax: 01606 274338.
Or
Any Cheshire Maintained School
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