Free school meals

You may be able to claim free school meals, if you receive the following benefit(s);

  • Income support

  • Job seekers allowance (income based)

  • Child tax credit only with an income of less than ·£15 575 as assessed (currently) by the Inland Revenue (if you receive working tax credit you won't be able to claim free school meals)

How to apply
To apply for free school meals please complete the online form. If you are not elidgle to use you can download our clothing and free school meals application form below.

Please return the completed form to:

Customer First
Freepost Nat 15174
Glasgow
G78 1BR

Please ensure you have provided proof of your benefit(s) as detailed on the application form.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: Can I have my Free School Meals entitlement backdated?
  • A: No, free school meals entitlement is granted from the date your application is processed. However, if you can provide the school with valid proof of your receipt of a qualifying benefit, along with your free school meals application, your entitlement can start immediately.
  • Q: How do I arrange free school meals for my children?
  • A:

    You may be entitled to claim free school meals for your children if you receive: 

    Income Support
    Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
    Child Tax Credit only with an income of less than £15,575 as assessed currently by the Inland Revenue

    Please note that if you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit, you are not eligible to claim free school meals.

  • Q: I get Working Families Tax Credit. Can I get free meals for my child/children?
  • A: No. You can only get free meals for your child/children if you receive Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), or if you receive Child Tax Credit only and your annual income is less than £15,575.
  • Q: I want to apply for free school meals for my three children. Do I need to complete an application form for each child?
  • A: No, there is space to apply for free school meals for five children on the application form.

Related Documents

Application clothing grant free school meals 08-09 (PDF 161.9kb)