Children who receive free school meals in primary school will still get them when they move to secondary school.
Who can get free school meals
Nursery children
If your child attends full days at a nursery that is attached to a local authority school, they may be eligible for free school meals in the school nursery.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
All children in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 at a state funded school or academy, will automatically get free school meals through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.
Parents do not need to make an application to receive these meals.
If you receive benefits and your child already gets Universal Infant Free School Meals, you should still register for free school meals. This is so your school can claim funding to support your child at school.
This is called Pupil Premium.
Children in Year 3 or above, are only eligible for free school meals if their parents or carers are entitled to benefits, and they make an application for free school meals.
Families who receive benefits
Children may be eligible for free school meals if their parents or carers receive any of the following benefits:
- income support
- income based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- income based Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £16,190
- the guaranteed element of the State Pension Credit
- the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Universal Credit with an annual income of less than £7,400
If you get Working Tax Credit your child will not qualify for free school meals.
If a child receives free school meals, they will continue to get them, even if their parent's income changes. This will remain in place until 7 September 2026.
Asylum seekers
If you are currently receiving National Asylum Seekers Support (NASS), you do not need to fill in a claim form for free school meals.
Take your Home Office letter to your child's school, and they will contact Welfare and Benefits on your behalf. The letter should confirm your:
- name
- date of birth
- nine digit NASS Reference Number
Children who are eligible for a free school meal can also get a free carton of milk. Check with your child's school to see what they offer.
How to apply
If you think your child could be eligible for free school meals, you can apply online or by completing the claim form.
If you pay council tax in Leeds
If you live in Leeds and you do not already receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, you will need to complete our online form.
If you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, complete and return the free school meals claim form (Word 0.3MB) by email to lcc.benefits@leeds.gov.uk or by post to:
Welfare and Benefits (FSM Claims)
Leeds City Council
PO Box 911
Leeds
LS1 9WJ
If you cannot use the form
If you cannot use the form, visit a community hub.
If you do not pay council tax in Leeds
If you are not charged council tax in Leeds but your child attends a Leeds school, complete and return the free school meals claim form (Word 0.3MB) by email to lcc.benefits@leeds.gov.uk or by post to:
Welfare and Benefits (FSM Claims)
Leeds City Council
PO Box 911
Leeds
LS1 9WJ
If you cannot use the form
If you cannot use the form, visit a community hub.
If your child can not get free school meals
Paid school meals
If your child is in Year 3 up to Year 12 and in full time education, but is not eligible for free school meals there is an option to pay for a meal.
Each school sets their own cost for school meals. You should contact your school directly to find out the cost and available payment methods.
Packed lunches
Most schools allow pupils to bring packed lunches from home to eat at school. You should contact your school directly to check this.
We work with schools to help them develop their own packed lunch policies to make sure all meals are healthy, nutritious and balanced. School policies should include special diets, allergies or intolerances and consider affordable and cultural foods.
School holidays
Children eligible for free school meals can take part in Healthy Holidays activities during the school holidays. They all include a healthy nutritious meal and activities like arts and crafts, sports, dance and more.
We transfer existing free school meals for children who are moving from primary to secondary school over the summer holidays.
Other offers and support
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they may also be entitled to free school travel. Find out more about the eligibility criteria and apply through WY Metro.
Children who are eligible for a free school meal can also get a free Breeze Pass to get discounts, priority bookings, VIP experiences and offers at activities and events at various venues across the city. Apply for your free Breeze pass on the Leeds Ticket Hub.
Find more help with food and bills. You can also find further support through the Money Information Centre.
