If your child is under 19 and in full-time education, and you receive certain benefits, you may be able to get free school meals for them.

Apply online

Your eligibility will be checked and your application processed straight away. If your application is successful the school will be notified and your child should start receiving their free school meal within 24 hours. We may ask for proof of benefit after you apply.

Check your eligibility and apply now

If you apply and are eligible, even if your circumstances change, you will remain eligible for benefits-related free school meals until your child finishes their current phase of education (either Year 6 if they are in primary school or Year 11 if they are in secondary school).

This will continue to be the case until the end of March 2025.

Benefits of receiving free school meals

In Kent, 21% of children receive free school meals. If you are eligible and register your child will get:

• a choice of delicious, healthy hot meals every school day at no cost - this is worth £470 a year per child and recognised to improve behaviour and learning
• meals to cater for cultural, dietary, and religious requirements
• the chance to develop social skills by sitting with friends for a school meal
• a £10 food voucher per eligible child each week during the school holidays.

The school will receive additional funding to cover the catering cost and school funding grants, such as the Pupil Premium, based on their take up of free school meals.

School holiday arrangements

Families who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will receive vouchers to feed their children during school holidays.

You'll get a £10 voucher per eligible child, which can be spent in supermarkets and local shops.

If your child gets free school meals because they are in year 2 or below, you will still need to apply for benefits-related free school meals to get vouchers during the holidays.

Universal free school meals

If your child is in year R, year 1 or year 2 they are entitled to universal free school meals - all children in these year groups can get a free meal at school each day.

If you receive certain benefits, your child's school can also get some additional money to support your child's learning. We encourage you to check your eligibility and apply online as your child's school can benefit from the additional funding if you apply for the free school meals.