In these difficult financial times, we want to make sure you are getting all the help you need. A lot of people do not claim free school meals even though they are entitled to them. That is why Derbyshire County Council has launched the ‘Quids In Campaign’, to encourage people to check if they are eligible. You do not need to worry about other children knowing your child gets free school meals as we use a discreet system. Only the school and catering staff will know who is eligible and who is not.
You could save £400 a year for each child, and your children could benefit from a substantial, hot meal at lunchtime. The school will benefit too − they will receive £935 a year from the Government for each child on free school meals.
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you, or the young person themselves where appropriate, get any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit* and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) – You can get this help if you get Working Tax Credit and you are in the four week ‘run-on’ period where your WTC is due to stop because you have stopped work or reduced your hours
- Universal Credit (NB this benefit is only just being introduced in Derbyshire − see our Universal Credit information).
NB – young people age 16-18 who receive the above benefits or Tax Credits in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals.
You will not be eligible if you are claiming Working Tax Credit.
