Information Relating to Free School Meals Entitlement
Please be aware, if you wish to avail of free school meals for your child(ren) for the next academic year (Sept 2020 – June 2021), you must re-apply now through the Education Authority. Entitlement does not automatically carry forward from one year to the next – you MUST reapply each year. Please see information regarding entitlement below:
If you receive Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-Related Employment & Support Allowance or Pension Credit (Guarantee Element) – you will be eligible if you apply.
If you receive Child Tax Credit and/or Working Tax Credit your annual household income before tax, shown on your Tax Credits Award notice, has to be £16,190 or less.
If you receive Universal Credit, your take home pay (after tax), shown on their latest Universal Credit statement , has to work out as £14,000 or less per year (i.e. it has to show as £1166.66 per month or less).
You can also qualify if the child has a Special Educational Needs at Stage 5 and also requires a special diet (both must be true).
Visit www.eani.org.uk where you can find out more about free school meals and uniform grants in Northern Ireland. You can download application forms and guidance notes containing FAQs and entitlement information.