You can:

• Apply online
• Complete a paper application form
• Obtain an application from your child's school
• Collect a form at any of our contact centres

Please be aware that if you are in receipt of working tax credit you are not eligible for Free School Meals.

If you are completing a paper application form, you need to return it to us as soon as possible. You can either return the form by post or hand it in at any of our Customer Contact Centres.

A claim can normally be dealt within 5 working days.

You do not need to provide any proof of benefits at the initial stage of your application, we have access to a Government eligibility site where we can check your entitlement. If we are unable to find your details we will write to you for further information.

You should apply when you first start to receive benefit. We will routinely review your entitlement throughout the year and advise you accordingly of any changes.

You should notify the school and the free school meals section of any changes straight away if:

• You start work and come off benefits
• You change address
• Your child changes school
• You start receiving working tax credit

The Free School Meals section will inform your child/children's school as soon as your application has been decided. The school will then make arrangements for your child to start receiving free school meals.