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Frequently Asked Questions - Education: Free School Meals

Questions

General Information

• Can I get free school meals?
• How do I apply?
• What evidence do I need to provide?
• How long will the children receive free school meals?
• Can free school meals be back dated?
• What happens if I stop claiming benefits?

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Answers

General Information

Can I get free school meals?

Your child must attend a maintained school in the Thurrock area. You must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Income Support;
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance;
• Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit, with an annual income of less than £16,190.;
• Employee Support Allowance;
• The Guarantee element of the state pension credit;
• Financially supported by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS).

If you are seeking asylum then the Application Registration Card or Form SAL 1 or SAL 2 from The Asylum & Immigration Service can be used to prove this.

Only the above situations entitle children to free meals in accordance with Government legislation.

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How do I apply?

Download and print Form SA1: Application for Free School Meals from the Pupil Support: Free School Meals page.

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What evidence do I need to provide?

None, the authority will verify benefits through the Free School Meals Eligibility Checking Service (ECS).

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How long will the children receive free school meals?

As long as you are in receipt of benefit.

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Can free school meals be back dated?

No

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What happens if I stop claiming benefits?

It is your responsibility to advise the Awards & Benefits Team of the change in your circumstances.

You can download a 'Change of Circumstance' form from the Pupil Support: Free School Meals page.

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