Each Council may have small differences in their eligibility criteria. Please go to your Council's HAF page for detailed information in your county. Please click here to find out which Council you are with.
Children who receive Benefit-related Free School Meals are entitled to free HAF sessions in the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays.
What does "Benefit-related" Free School Meals mean?
Your child will normally be entitled to benefit-related free school meals if you receive any of the following:
Income Support
Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit but no element of Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenues & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
If you are supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment finishes or after you start to work fewer hours per week
Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (£616.67 per month), as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
I think I'm entitled but I haven't applied, what should I do?
Your Council will provide a link to their website to sign up.
I'm not entitled to Benefit related Free School Meals, are there any exceptions?
Some Councils have a small amount of discretionary funding. If your child is vulnerable, please make a booking and complete as much information as you can to allow the Council to make a decision. They may contact you or your school to discuss your child's needs and situation.
I have been Declined but I want to appeal
You should have been provided the email of your Council in your decline email.
Check your child's name is spelt exactly as it appears on the register.
Check your child's date of birth is correct.
Please email your Council with additional information.
Please note that Eequ can only provide the contact details for your council and cannot influence eligibility decisions.