Answers to some frequently asked questions on the subject of Free School Meals.

• Q: Can I have my Free School Meals entitlement backdated?
• Q: For how long will my child receive free school meals?
• Q: How do I arrange free school meals for my children?
• Q: How will the school know my child is eligible for Free School Meals?
• Q: Will I qualify for Free School Meals?
• Q: I want to apply for free school meals for my three children. Do I need to complete an application form for each child?
• Q: The secondary school that my child/children attend operates a cashless catering swipe card system. How do they get their free meal?

• Q: Can I have my Free School Meals entitlement backdated?

  A: No, free school meals entitlement is granted from the date the application is processed. However, if valid proof of receipt of a qualifying benefit can be presented with your free school meals application to the school, entitlement can start immediately.

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• Q: For how long will my child receive free school meals?

  A: Subject to parents continuing to be in receipt of qualifying benefits, children attending school will receive free school meals from primary 1 to sixth year at secondary school.

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• Q: How do I arrange free school meals for my children?

  A: Please complete an application available from the school or the Pupil, Parent Support Unit (Schools) or your Local Customer Services Centre and provide proof of benefit. Once completed please return the form to the Pupil, Parent Support Unit for assessment.

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• Q: How will the school know my child is eligible for Free School Meals?

  A: If you qualify for free school meals we will inform the school of this. Meals will be provided from the first day of the school year for applications approved during the summer break. For applications received after school commences, meals will be provided as soon as possible. Schools will be constantly updated during the year with new applications that have been granted.

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• Q: Will I qualify for Free School Meals?

  A: You may qualify for Free School Meals if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits - Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income based), Employment and Support Allowance (Income based), Child Tax Credit on its own with an annual income under £15,910 (subject to change), Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit with an annual income under £6,420 (subject to change), support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act or Universal Credit (subject to change).

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• Q: I want to apply for free school meals for my three children. Do I need to complete an application form for each child?

  A: No, there is space to apply for free school meals for six children on the application form.

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• Q: The secondary school that my child/children attend operates a cashless catering swipe card system. How do they get their free meal?

  A: Your child's card will be credited with the cost of a free meal per day. This is put on their card after the morning break.

  Up to the questions