Swindon says you can apply online for benefits-related free school meals, and it only applies from Year 3 onwards because children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are covered automatically. If your child’s school is one of Swindon’s participating schools, use the online portal here: apply for free school meals.
| What to check | Swindon guidance |
|---|---|
| Who is automatically covered | Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 |
| Who needs to apply | Children in Year 3 and above, if eligible |
| How to apply | apply for free school meals |
| Processing time | Swindon aims to process applications within five school days |
| If you’ve recently claimed Universal Credit | Swindon can only process the application once the claim is confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions; this can take up to six weeks |
| If your circumstances change | Reapply for free school meals |
| Where to report changes | schoollunches@swindon.gov.uk |
To be eligible in Year 3 and above, Swindon lists benefits including Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, certain Pension Credit and Universal Credit cases, and some Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit run-on situations. If the school isn’t on Swindon’s participating list, the school office should be contacted.