FREE SCHOOL MEALS - Changes to criteria

Free School Meals & Uniform Allowance –Important update for Universal Credit recipients - the Department of Education has announced a change to the threshold for eligibility for people who receive Universal Credit, increasing from £14,000 to £15,000.

If you are in receipt of one of the following, you will need to upload a Proof of Benefit letter when applying for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance for the 2024/25 academic year:

➡️ Income Support
➡️ Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
➡️ Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
➡️ Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit

To be ready for when applications open on the EA Connect portal on 18 June, you can request a Proof of Benefit letter now, by visiting https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/get-a-proof-of-benefit-letter/. It will take at least five days to be sent to you.

If you receive Tax Credits or Universal Credit, you do not need the Proof of Benefit Letter. However, you will still need to upload evidence of these benefits when you apply.

More information on eligibility and supporting documentation can be found at www.eani.org.uk/fsm

If you receive Tax Credits or Universal Credit, you don’t need the letter but will need to upload evidence. Info www.eani.org.uk/fsm

EA portal opens from 18th June