Free School Meals

Universal Infant Free School Meals (UFISM)

All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at state schools in England automatically get free school meals. However, parents and guardians are encouraged to apply for free school meals when they enrol their child in school, as this can help their child’s school to attract additional ‘pupil premium‘ funding to support learning.

Targeted Free School Meals

Families may qualify for Targeted Free School Meals if they receive:

• Universal Credit and have an annual household income of less than £7,400.
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the separate guidance below for families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

Families eligible for Targeted Free School Meals will also be able to access additional support, such as Pupil Premium and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.

Expanded Free School Meals

Families will qualify for Targeted Free School Meals if they receive:

• Universal Credit and have household earnings above £7,400 per year.

Families eligible for Expanded Free School Meals with receive free school meals only.

School children living on their own (16-19 year olds) who receive a qualifying benefit in their own right can also get free school meals.

How to apply

Apply through the Devon Citizens Portal. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision. Alternatively, call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019.