Free School Meals Information

Important

Free School Meal information September 2016

Make your claim today 1. What has changed?

From September 2014, all children in Reception, year 1 and year 2 classes must be offered a free school lunch.

2. If all children are going to have a free school meal at lunchtime, why is it still important I apply for a free school lunch?

Because the school will be entitled to additional funding to support your child’s learning in school. This extra funding is called Pupil Premium which is currently worth £1,320 per eligible child – this is a significant amount.

3. What must I do now?

See the guidance notes overleaf and if you feel you qualify, complete your application as soon as possible.

There will always be someone in school to help you with this.

HOWEVER 4. If a parent is not on these incomes, does the school still receive this additional money?

No.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE GUIDANCE NOTES FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS OVERLEAF AND CHECK YOUR SCHOOL’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT THE PUPIL PREMIUM IS USED FOR.

www.blackpool.gov.uk

1. Am I entitled to Free School Meals?

Guidance Notes for Free School Meals

You will only be entitled if you receive any of the following: ●● Income Support ●● Income-based Job Seekers Allowance ●● Income-related Employment and Support Allowance ●● Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 ●● The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190) ●● Working Tax Credit run-on-paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit ●● Universal Credit (please provide us with your Universal credit award letter)

2. What do I need to do now?

If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, you will not need to apply for Free School Meals, we will make an award automatically if you qualify. If you are unsure please telephone the Claims Team on 01253 478940, we may be able to process your application over the telephone. Alternatively you can email benefits@blackpool.gov.uk

3. Will I need to provide evidence?

4. What happens next?

●● We will process your application and let you know the outcome by letter. If you have not heard from us by 10 working days, please telephone 01253 478940 or email: benefits@ blackpool.gov.uk

5. Do I need to tell the school my child is entitled to Free School Meals?

No, we will inform the school for you, however, if you attend an academy please notify them directly.

6. What happens if my circumstances change?

If your circumstances change, for example your Child Tax Credits change, or you no longer receive a qualifying benefit, or your child changes school, you must notify us immediately on 01253 478940 or email benefits@blackpool.gov.uk.

7. Who do I contact if I have any queries or need any help with my application?

You can telephone 01253 478940 or email benefits@blackpool.gov.uk or visit our Customer First Centre at the Municipal Buildings, Corporation St.

8. Will I lose any of my benefits if I apply for a Free School Meal?

No

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●● If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, we may not need to see any evidence. ●● If you are in receipt of Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Guarantee Pension Credits or Income Related Employment Support Allowance we may need to see a copy of your latest letter of entitlement. ●● If you receive Child Tax Credits we may need to see a copy of ALL the pages from your latest entitlement letter. ●● We will tell you if we need this information when you apply.