Many families may be eligible for free school meals. You may be eligible for help if you fall into one of the following categories:
- You are in receipt of income support or a Job Seekers Allowance (income-based)
- You are entitled to child tax credits with income no greater than £16,040 as shown on your TC602 from the Inland Revenue. If you receive working tax credit then you are not eligible
- You receive the guarantee element of state pension credit
- You get support from the national asylum support service
Yes? Then your child may be entitled to free school meals.
If your children attend:
- A state primary school or state secondary school or
- A sixth form within a state school
If you live in South Gloucestershire Council's area you can contact us for a FSM(A) form.
You can contact us by:
- Telephone: 01454 868008
- Email: cis@southglos.gov.uk
- Fax: 01454 863330
Visit or write to:
South Gloucestershire Council
Department for Children Young People Information Service
Riverside Court
Bowling Hill
Chipping Sodbury
South Gloucestershire
BS37 6JX
Contact hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8.45am to 5.00pm
Friday: 8.45am to 4.30pm
What happens next?
We will send you a form FSM(A) for you to complete. List your children and the schools they attend. This must then be returned to the address above with proof of your benefit, which must be less than 3 months old and have your current address on it.
What proof must I have?
- You can ask your benefits agency office to sign and stamp the form or a recent letter from the Benefits Agency, or form TC602 from the Inland Revenue
- You can call at our offices with your income support letter, which must be no more than 3 months old
If you are receiving housing benefit and income support you can call into a 'one-stop shop' and they will be able to stamp the FSM(A) form for you.
Who lets the school know?
When we have authorised your free school meals we will confirm this in a letter to yourself and notify the relevant school.
Can I have free school meals today?
Yes. The school is able to authorise temporary cover for four weeks if you show your proof of benefit to the school secretary. This will enable your children to receive free school meals whilst we are administering your application.
Can I pick up or return a form anywhere else?
- The reception at Thornbury Offices, Castle Street
- One-stop shop at Kingswood Civic Centre
- One-stop shop at Yate Shopping Centre
- Children and Young People Information Service, Riverside Court, Building 1, Bowling Hill, Chipping Sodbury
- At most schools in South Gloucestershire
- Download an application form from the 'Do it now' box on this page