From 27^th October 2008 the eligibility criteria for free school meals has changes and now includes those parents who are in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) (ESA(IR)). As a reminder please see details of current eligibility below:

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

PARENTS WHO RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING PAYMENTS/BENEFITS ARE ENTITLED TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS.

FOR ALL APPLICANTS WHO PROVIDE NAME, DATE OF BIRTH AND NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER ENTITLEMENT CAN BE CHECKED AGAINST INFORMATION HELD BY THE DCSF.

BENEFIT	EVIDENCE REQUIRED
Income Support (IS)	Letter from Department for Work & Pensions Statement from Department for Work & Pensions Certified Free School Meals Application
Employment Support Allowance (Income Related) (ESA (IR)	Letter from Department for Work & Pensions Statement from Department for Work & Pensions Certified Free School Meals Application
Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)	Letter from Department for Work & Pensions Statement from Department for Work & Pensions Certified Free School Meals Application
Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual Income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) of less than £15,575* * This figure is reviewed annually	Child Tax Credit Notice (TC602) - All pages
Guarantee element of State Pension Credit	Pension Credit M1000 Award Notice

Children who receive IS or IBJSA in their own right are entitled to receive free school meals as are those who receive support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

The application form is currently being updated and will be available in due course.

For further information, please contact Eric Clarke on 01603 224382 or by email at eric.clarke@norfolk.gov.uk .