To qualify for free school meals in Southend, your child must be under 19 and in full-time education. Eligibility is based on receiving certain benefits or meeting specific income criteria. Here’s a summary of who qualifies:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Income Support | Yes |
| Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance | Yes |
| Income-related Employment and Support Allowance | Yes |
| Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 | Yes |
| Guaranteed element of Pension Credit | Yes |
| Child Tax Credit | Yes, annual gross income must be ≤ £16,190 |
| Working Tax Credit run-on | Eligible for 4 weeks after ceasing WTC |
| Universal Credit | Applied after 1 April 2018, income < £7,400/year |
| Children receiving benefits directly | Yes |
| Younger than compulsory age | Yes, for certain arrangements |
| Universal infant free meals | Yes, if in government-funded reception, Year 1, or Year 2 |
If you think you might be eligible, it's important to apply even if your child is already receiving meals. This helps schools access additional funding. You can apply online to check your eligibility.