Protection of free school meal eligibility
The government is rolling out Universal Credit nationally. To support the rollout, there will be a change to eligibility.
If your child is or becomes eligible for free school meals on benefit related grounds, they will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2025. This will not change even if your circumstances change.
If you are eligible due to receipt of Pension Credits or Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, your eligibility is not protected as per Government guidelines, you will need to make a new application every term.