To qualify for free school meals in Swindon, there are specific eligibility criteria based on your household income and benefits received. Here's a summary of the requirements:
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Targeted Eligibility | Household receives Universal Credit with annual income of £7,400 or less. |
| Expanded Eligibility | Household receives Universal Credit with income above £7,400. |
| Other Qualifying Benefits | - Income Support <br> - Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance <br> - Income-related Employment and Support Allowance <br> - Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 <br> - Guaranteed element of Pension Credit <br> - Child Tax Credit (annual income ≤ £16,190 and no Working Tax Credit) <br> - Working Tax Credit run-on (for four weeks after losing eligibility) |
| Universal Free Meals | Automatically provided to children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2, regardless of income. |
If you think your child might be eligible for free school meals, especially if they are in Year 3 or above, it's a good idea to apply for benefits-related meals to gain additional support. You can find more information and apply online through the Swindon council website: apply for free school meals.