There are nearly 63,000 pupils in East Sussex, however only 8,500 children currently get free school meals. We think there are many more who could access these.
Who is entitled?
Free school meals are not provided automatically. Free school meals can be given if you fall into one of the following categories:
- you receive Income Support
- you receive Job Seeker's Allowance (income-based)
- you receive Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
- you get support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- you receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit
- you are entitled to Child Tax Credit, you do not get Working Tax Credit and your family's annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) is not more than £16,190. Anyone receiving Working Tax Credit is not entitled to free school meals regardless of their income unless you have become unemployed in which case free meals can be granted for a four week period only.
This leaflet will help families whose children could get free school meals to apply for them.
Free School Meals - Are you missing out?
How to Apply
To apply for free school meals for your child, you must fill in this form and return it either to your child's school or to the following address:
Free School Meals
PO Box 4
County Hall
St Anne's Crescent
Lewes BN7 1SG
If your child is eligible, the Free School Meals team will send a letter to you and notify the school to confirm that your child is entitled to free school meals. They will also contact the school within approximately three working days of receiving the form, so that your child can start receiving free meals as soon as possible.
Free school meals application form
