What are free school meals?
Free school meals are provided free of charge to children whose parents receive certain benefits. They are worth on average about £10 per week per child, or £370 per year. School meals should adhere to the government's nutritional standards for school food. It is widely considered that eating a school meal can help children stay healthy and improve concentration and learning.
Which children are currently eligible?
Free school meals are available to children whose parents receive: Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (section 95 support), the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit provided that you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs is £16,190 or less, or Working Tax Credit "run-on" (the payment you receive for a further four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit). There will be new eligibility criteria to take account of the introduction of Universal Credit.
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