Will I qualify for free school meals?

To get free school meals you must be in receipt of one of the following qualifying benefits:

• Income Support (IS) or

• Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual taxable income (as assessed by The Inland Revenue) which from 6 April 2010 does not exceed £16,190

• Income-Based Job Seekers' Allowance (IB JSA) or

• Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) (ASA(IRA)) or

• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

From 1 May 2009 where a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week, their children are entitled to free school lunches.

How do I apply for free school meals?

You can apply by telephone - call Dorset Direct on 01305 221000.

You will need to tell us your:

• Name

• Date of birth

• National Insurance Number (or your registered asylum seeker number)

• Child's details - name, date of birth, and school for which you want free school meals

We will make automated checks to confirm your entitlement, and if you qualify, we will tell you immediately, and then write to you within three working days of your call to us to confirm it.

Alternatively, you can apply using the paper application form [56kb] (opens in a new window). Paper forms are also available from your child's school, some libraries, or from Dorset Direct - please contact us and a form can be sent to you.

Send the completed form to Dorset Direct (the address is on the form) Please note - you do not have to send any documents to show your entitlement to one of the above benefits. We will make automated checks to confirm your entitlement, and if you qualify, we will write to you within three working days of receiving your form.

(For both telephone and paper applications - If the automated benefit check does not work, then we may need to ask you to supply documentary evidence. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.)

How long will a free school meals award last?

The award will remain in place for as long as your child continues to attend a Dorset school and you continue to receive one of the qualifying benefits (if your child attends, or transfers to a school in another area, you will have to re-apply to the local authority which is responsible for that school). You are required to notify of any changes to your benefit status which may affect your continued entitlement.

Previously, I had to re-apply for free school meals each year – has this changed?

Yes – this has changed from the Summer term 2009. Re-applying each year confirms your continued entitlement to one of the qualifying benefits. We can now re-use the information you give in your application to make repeat automatic checks. This removes the need for you to keep re-applying. See the free school meals eligibility checking process for information on the checks that will be carried out.

My children all go to different schools - should I fill a separate application form for free school meals for each child?

The award is made for the family - you can include all your children on one form, so long as they all attend schools in Dorset. Dorset parents whose children attend schools in another local authority area should contact that authority for free school meals.

My child has just started school and already has brothers and sisters who get free school meals - do I need to reapply?

Yes - you need to re-apply so that the new child can be included in the family's current free school meals award.

Don't worry if your child is in reception, and is currently only attending part-time. The award can be set in place now, but will only become 'active' once the child attends full time.

I qualify for free school meals, but the school will know about my financial situation if I apply. Can I apply without the school knowing how much I receive in benefits?

The arrangements for checking benefit evidence do not disclose how much you receive, or even which benefit you receive. See the free school meals eligibility checking process for more information on the checking process.

I am a foster carer. Is the child in my care entitled to free school meals?

No - children, such as foster children, in the care of the local authority or of a voluntary organisation cannot be considered for free school meals.

• Name: Dorset Direct
  Email: dorsetdirect@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 221000
  Full details for Dorset Direct