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  terms and conditions

Free school meals

Free school meals are offered to children of families who are in receipt of Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) (ESA(IR)), support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit or Child Tax Credits.

 

Your application will be assessed by a member of the School Admissions and Pupil Support Team.

 

Frequently asked questions

  1. Are you Eligible?
  2. How do I apply for free school meals?
  3. How often do I have to apply?
  4. When will the free school meals start?
  5. How will the school know my child does not have to pay for school meals?
  6. What if my circumstances change?
  7. Where should I send my completed application form?

 

1. Are you eligible?

To be eligible for free school meals the parents/guardians of any pupil must:

 

  1. live in the Sefton area;

  2. attend a state-maintained school or be receiving alternative education approved by the LEA; and

  3. the family receives one of the following benefits:

    • Income Support
    • Jobseeker's Allowance (Income-based)
    • Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) (ESA(IR))
    • Child Tax Credit Only and your annual taxable income is less than £16,190 (as stated on your Inland Revenue Award Notice)
    • Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
    • Support under Part V1 of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999

 

Proof may be required to support your application.

 

Income Support
  • Your Name, National Insurance Number and Date of Birth MUST be provided on Application Form

 

Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Your Name, National Insurance Number and Date of Birth MUST be provided on Application Form.

 

Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) (ESA(IR))
  • Your Name, National Insurance Number and Date of Birth MUST be provided on Application Form.

 

Child Tax Credit

  • Full Inland Revenue tax credit award notice (TC602), for current tax year. (Photocopy acceptable)
 
Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
  • Pension Credit M1000 Award Notice
 
Asylum Seekers
  • Proof from the Home Office of your asylum application including the 12 digit NASS number.

 

Please note:

We do not accept statements or books from your Bank or Building Society, and would request that you do not send any original books through the post.

 

2. How do I apply for free school meals?

If you meet the above criteria and who wish to apply for free school meals please contact the School Admissions and Pupil Support Section on 0151 934 3456 and request an application form B1 (PDF iconpdf 92KB). Alternatively, your child's school may also be able to supply you with the relevant application form.

 

3. How often do I have to apply?

You should apply when you first start to receive benefit. Your eligibility will be reviewed towards the end of the summer term and a renewal application form will be sent to you automatically.

 

4. When will the free school meals start?

All forms received during the Summer Holidays will start receiving a free school meal on the first day of term. An application form which is received in the section once the Autumn Term has started, the free school meals will commence on the following Monday. Free school meals cannot be backdated. All applications are dealt with in date order and we will write to you as soon as your application has been processed informing you of your entitlement.

 

5. How will the school know my child does not have to pay for school meals?

The schools concerned will be notified directly by the LEA that your child/children can have a school meal free of charge.

 

6. What if my circumstances change?

You should notify the School Admissions and Pupil Support Section direct of any changes:

 

  • if you start work and come off benefit
  • if you change address
  • if your child changes school

 

7. Where should I send my completed application form?

You will be provided with a postage paid self-addressed envelope for you to return the form and the required proof of benefit direct to the School Admissions and Pupil Support Section at the LEA. Alternatively you can bring the form and the required proof to:  Town Hall, Oriel Road, Bootle, L20 7AE.

 

 

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Last Updated on 1/30/2013