The HAF programme funding is primarily for school aged children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits related FSMs.
Benefits related FSMs are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.
Who is eligible?
You must be in receipt of one of the below benefits to be eligible for free school meals for your child/children.
o Income SupportEmployment and Support Allowance – Income related
o Income Based Job Seekers Allowance (not Contribution Based JSA)
o Child Tax Credit only (with a combined family income of less than £16,190 per annum as assessed by HM Revenues & Customs) Please note, anyone receiving Working Tax Credit, regardless of income, will not qualify for free school meals.
o Working Tax Credit run-on – paid four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
o Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you receive)
o National Asylum Seekers Support (NASS)
o Guaranteed Element of Pension Tax Credit
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish that phase of schooling (primary or secondary).
If you think you may be eligible for Free School Meals, please contact your child’s school or apply for Free School Meals.