Universal free school meals

All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 in state-funded schools in England are eligible for free school meals.

Eligibility

You can get free school meals if your child attends a local authority maintained school (not private) and you receive one of the following:

• Support under part VI of the immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• the Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

• Universal Credit

Additionally:

• You, as the parent or guardian, must receive Child Benefit for the child you are responsible for

• Children who receive Universal Credit in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals

• Children who receive "education suitable for children who have not attained compulsory school age" will still need to satisfy the additional requirement of "receiving education both before and after the lunch period", before being eligible to receive free school meals.

Apply

You don't need to apply if you are already in receipt or have applied for Housing Benefit or help with your Council Tax.  Oldham Council will use the information and evidence you have already provided to confirm your entitlement to free school meals.

If you feel that you may be entitled to free school meals, please contact:

Customer Services

Level 4, Civic Centre

Oldham

OL1 1UH

Email: benefitsfsm@oldham.gov.uk

Free school meals application form

If your child is in KS1 (Years 1 & 2), and you think you would be entitled to free school meals under the above criteria, please apply even though your child is eligible for Universal Free School Meals. Schools receive additional funding for children entitled to, and claiming, free school meals, which has a significant impact on school budgets and therefore our ability to provide resources for your children.