Please find the appropriate links below to enable you to claim Free School Meals for your children. 

It is important to note that children from EYFS to Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal as part of the governments universal provision however this will stop when you child enters KS2 and Year 3. If you are in receipt of Universal Credits or similar type benefits it is important that you register your children for Free School Meals as soon as they enter school. 

Please see information below about how to claim FSM: 

Free school meals  

Claiming Free School Meals in South Glos

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following: 

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods, and your monthly average income over three assessment periods should be no more than £616.67) 
• Income Support 
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 
• The guaranteed element of 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 four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

This flyer explains more about applying for benefits-related free school meals and the extra help it offers your child and family.

Applying for free school meals  

If you are eligible for free school meals you need to apply for each child when they start school. 

If your child is starting school then please submit your application in August, the month before your child is due to start. If your child is moving from primary to secondary school, their free school meal entitlement will automatically transfer with them. So, you do not need to reapply. 

If you have moved to the area and were receiving free school meals, then you need to provide evidence of the award letter or email you received from the previous authority.   

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they are in on 31 March 2025.

 You can check if you are eligible for free school meals by using the online application form, or by talking to your child’s school. 

Apply for free school meals 

The Contact Centre is here to help those who are unable to access the online application or require additional help. Contact 01454 868008 for more information. 

Free school meals during school holidays

If you claim free school meals your child may be offered a place on free food and activity holiday clubs. Visit our article on supporting families in school holidays for more information.