Apply here: Bedford Borough Council – Free School Meals
In these ever changing times, I want to ensure that the school can do all it possibly can to support you and your children.
I am very aware that some families may be facing very changed financial circumstances due to the Coronavirus outbreak. If through change of circumstances you feel your child may have become eligible for free school meals, we would urge you to consider applying for this benefit. Below is guidance from the Government about who may be eligible for free school meals.
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
o Income Support
o income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
o income-related Employment and Support Allowance
o support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
o the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
o Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
o Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
o Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:
o younger than the compulsory age for starting school
o in full-time education
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.
If you feel you may now be entitled to free school meals, please visit the Bedford Borough web site and complete the online form at https://bedford-self.achieveservice.com/service/Free_School_Meals You will need your National Insurance number available to enter along with your name, address, email address and date of birth. Once you have completed the online application you will receive notification within 15 working days if you are eligible. This form can be completed at anytime that you feel you have had a change of circumstances.