Free school meals

Free school meals

Could your child be eligible for free school meals?

In these difficult financial times, we want to make sure you're getting all the help you're due.

A lot of people don't claim free school meals even though they're entitled. That's why we've launched a campaign to encourage people to check if they're eligible.

You don't need to worry about other children knowing your child gets free school meals. Only the school and catering staff will know.

You could save £400 a year for each child and your children could benefit from a good hot meal at lunchtime. The school will benefit too − they'll get the pupil premium of £900 a year from the government for each child on free school meals.

If you get any of these benefits, you could be eligible:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or an income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Child Tax Credit (with an annual income of less that £16,190).

You will not be eligible if you are claiming Working Tax Credit.

To apply, fill in the form on this page and we will write to you to let you know if your application has been successful.

Application form for Free School Meals

Note: Asterisks (*) indicate required information.

errorPlease correct the information in the fields highlighted below.
Details of Parent/ Guardian/ Carer claiming benefit

Please enter your details below including your date of birth and contact details.





















Your date of birth




First Child

Please enter your child's name, date of birth and select the school from the dropdown list.






Date of birth




Second child

Please enter your child's name, date of birth and select the school from the dropdown list.






Date of birth




Third child

Please enter your child's name, date of birth and select the school from the dropdown list.






Date of birth




Fourth child

Please enter your child's name, date of birth and select the school from the dropdown list.






Date of birth




Fifth child

Please enter your child's name, date of birth and select the school from the dropdown list.






Date of birth




Sixth child

Please enter your child's name, date of birth and select the school from the dropdown list.






Date of birth




Terms and conditions

You will no longer be required to provide documentary verification of benefits received, unless requested to do so. The Council will undertake routine eligibility checks on all current claims throughout the year. Please contact us immediately if your benefit changes or ends, as it may mean that you no longer qualify for free school meals.

Telecommunications Regulation
Please note, communications may be subject to monitoring and recording only for purposes permitted by the Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000 in order to prevent or detect a crime, or investigate or detect the unauthorised use of the service.

Data Protection Act
Personal information that you have provided will be used carefully and may be held on computer systems at the school/college and in the Children and Younger Adults Department. The use of this personal information is covered by registration under data protection legislation. Under the legislation you have the right to obtain a copy of the information that we hold about you.

By submitting this application form I certify that the above information is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I am legally responsible for the children for whom I have claimed. I understand that Derbyshire County Council may verify the information given with Government Departments. I understand that if I fail to inform you of any change in circumstances, and my children continue to receive free meals, I may be required to repay the cost of any meals consumed.

A deliberate false statement may lead to prosecution.



If you experience any problems with this form please contact contact.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk and quote form ID: ILF/233/09

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