In Bolton, eligibility for free school meals is primarily based on family income and certain benefits. Here’s a breakdown of who can qualify:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Universal free school meals | All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 automatically receive free meals. |
| Income-related free school meals | Families receiving certain benefits can claim for any year in school, including nursery. |
| Benefits Required | - Income Support <br> - Jobseeker's Allowance <br> - Income-based Employment Support Allowance <br> - Guaranteed Pension Credit <br> - Universal Credit (with earned income under £7,400) <br> - Child Tax Credit (if income is below £16,190) <br> - Working Tax Credit run-on |
| Pre-school and older children | Children aged 0-5 and 16-19 can also qualify for free meals if they meet the income criteria. |
It's important to check the eligibility details and ensure you're on the correct benefits to access free school meals. For more information or to apply, you can visit Bolton's school meals page.