Allow
More info
How do I qualify?
Parents/guardians who receive any of the following benefits are entitled to Free School Meals. Children who receive these benefits in their own right are also entitled:
- Income Support (IS)
- Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (Income based)
- Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit without Working Tax Credit and with an annual taxable income (as assessed by HMRC) of less than £16,190
If you have recently become unemployed but are still receiving Working Tax Credits, you may be entitled to Free School Meals during your run on period. Please call 01803 208244 for advice.
Children in the care of the Local Authority e.g. foster children cannot be considered for Free School Meals.
If I qualify for Free School Meals, can all of my children receive them?
Your child must attend a primary or secondary school to qualify. If you have a child at nursery, they can receive Free School Meals as long as they attend an LA maintained nursery (not private) and attend both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Students attending sixth forms can receive Free School Meals if the sixth form is part of the school. If your child is at a college, they will not be entitled.
Please note, Torbay Council administer Free School Meals for Torbay schools only. If your child attends a school outside of Torbay, you will need to apply to the LA where the school is based. If your child attends a school within Devon County Council, please call 0845 155 1019.
How do I apply?
- Download the application form or pick one up from your child’s school
- Take the completed form to your child’s school or send to: Admissions and Student Services, c/o Town Hall, Torquay, TQ1 3DR
- Once we have received your application, we will enter your details into the online checking system and it will tell us if you are entitled or not
- We will then send you a letter with our decision, usually within 5-10 working days
- If it states Authorised: you need to do nothing, we will inform the school and your child will be able to receive Free School Meals shortly after
- If it states Not Authorised: If you still believe you are entitled, please call 01803 208244 for advice. We may need you to send us documentary evidence of a qualifying benefit in this circumstance.
You do not need to send evidence with your application, if we need evidence at a later date we will contact you.
Contact Admissions & Student Services
- Tel: 01803 208244 or 208252
- Email: FSM@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax:
