The eligibility criteria for free school meals can be complicated, as it depends on where you live, the age of your child and even what benefits you're claiming.
Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com has issued a crucial alert to parents regarding the application process for free school meals.
According to recent government data, nearly two million pupils are eligible for free school meals. However, navigating the eligibility criteria can be tricky due to varying rules across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, as well as factors like your child's age and your benefit claims. In the latest MSE newsletter, the team emphasised the importance of annual applications: "On a low income with school-aged child? Apply for free school meals NOW. You need to reapply every year. Even if your child's due to get them automatically , it's worth applying manually, as your child's school could get additional funding.
In Scotland, all state school pupils from primary one to primary five are entitled to free school meals. Meanwhile, in Wales, all reception pupils in state schools receive free school meals, a provision set to be extended to all primary school students by September 2024, with some councils already providing free meals to older primary school children.
If your child does not fall within the age groups mentioned above, or if you reside in Northern Ireland, you must be claiming one of the following benefits to qualify for free school meals:.
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