Free school meals

Applying for free school meals if you are not auto-enrolled

We will carry out regular checks to automatically enrol children who are newly eligible for free school meals. However, there are some situations where you may need to apply manually, for example if:

  • you have just moved into Central Bedfordshire during the school term
  • your child has moved schools
  • you previously opted out but have now changed your mind
  • you have not received an auto-enrolment letter even though you think your child is eligible
  • your circumstances have changed and you are now entitled to a qualifying benefit

If any of these are true for you, please apply. Don’t wait for your child to be automatically enrolled.

To apply for free school meals, call 0300 300 8000.

Please have the following information ready:

  • national insurance numbers and dates of birth for you and your partner
  • dates of birth for your children
  • your NASS number if you receive support from the National Asylum Support Service

Benefits of getting free school meals

If your child gets benefit-related free school meals, they can:

* we’ll contact you with details if your child receives free school meals

Registering your entitlement also helps your child’s school get extra funding, known as the pupil premium. Schools use this money to support learning and development — for example by providing extra teaching, targeted programmes or wider opportunities.

Your child’s school will benefit from this funding even if your child does not take the meal, or if they are in reception, year 1 or year 2 and already get universal free school meals. By registering, you’re helping your child, their school and the wider school community — this funding benefits everyone.

Who can get free school meals

  • Universal Credit (if your annual net earned income is £7,400 or less, as assessed over up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (if you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual gross income is £16,190 or less)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

When free school meals start

In most cases we can confirm your entitlement straight away. As soon as we confirm you qualify, we will tell your child’s school and your child can get free school meals from the date you apply or the date we complete our checks.

You only need to apply once. Your child’s free school meals will usually continue as long as they stay at the same school. We will contact you if your entitlement changes.

Universal free school meals

If your child is in reception, year 1 or year 2, they will get universal free school meals automatically. You do not need to apply. We will still use your information to enrol your child for free school meals unless you opt out, so that your child’s school can receive extra funding.

Students in further education and sixth form

If your child is aged 16 to 18 and attends a further education or sixth form college, please contact the college for information about free school meals. If your child attends a school sixth form, please contact us to apply.

Tell us about changes

  • you no longer want free school meals
  • a new partner joins your household
  • you move house
  • your child changes their name or school
  • you change your name
  • another child in your family starts school
  • your child goes into care
  • your child moves between parents or guardians

Transitional protection from income changes

From April 2018, the government introduced “transitional protection” for free school meals. This means that if you no longer meet the income criteria, your child can usually continue to receive free school meals until the rollout of Universal Credit is complete. The government has announced that transitional protection will continue until September 2026.

Contact us

Call 0300 300 8000 or email revsandbensfsm@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk if you:

  • want to report a change
  • think you may qualify but have not heard from us
  • have a question about your application