Could Your Child Be Eligible for Free School Meals? Apply Today

Many families in West Sussex could be receiving free school meals without realising they qualify. Applying is quick, confidential, and could make a real difference to your household budget—while also bringing valuable funding into your child’s school.

Why Apply?

If your child qualifies for free school meals, they will receive a healthy, nutritious meal every school day, supporting their wellbeing, concentration, and learning. Schools also receive additional Pupil Premium funding for every eligible child, which helps provide extra support and opportunities.

Current Eligibility

Children may qualify if parents receive certain benefits, including:

• Universal Credit, if annual net earned income is no more than £7,400 (based on recent assessment periods). 
• Income Support
• Income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income‑related Employment and Support Allowance
• Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit, and income below £16,190) 

Full criteria and the online application form are available on the West Sussex County Council website: Free school meals – West Sussex County Council [westsussex.gov.uk]

Important Update: New Universal Credit Criteria

From September 2026, all households receiving Universal Credit—not just those under the £7,400 income cap—will be entitled to free school meals. This expansion means that over half a million more children across England will benefit. [educationh...log.gov.uk]

This change is expected to:

• Save families up to £495 per child per year in school meal costs 
• Lift an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty 

Although eligibility will be broadened, parents will still need to apply to ensure the school can process the claim and receive additional funding. 

How to Apply

It only takes a few minutes to check your eligibility and submit a form:
Apply via the West Sussex County Council website

You can also check eligibility guidance via GOV.UK:
Apply for free school meals – GOV.UK [westsussex.gov.uk] [gov.uk]

Please click here to open a Free School Meal Application Process for Parents guide

If you need any further assistance with completing the online form, please contact the school office or the Free School Meal team directly on 0330 222 5555 or at fsm@westsussex.gov.uk