Schools, early years and childcare

As school meals become healthier, Medway Council would like to increase the number of children receiving free school meals.

If you have children under 19 years of age and still in full time education, your child may be entitled to receive a free school meal if you receive either:

• Income Support;
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance;
• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit or support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/ukpga_19990033_en_1.htm);
• Child Tax Credit (but are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and your annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) does not exceed £15,575

All you need to do is complete the application form for free school meals and send it with proof that your family is receiving benefit or a photocopy of form TC02 confirming your Child Tax Credit and annual income. Application forms are available from your child's school or from the council's Transport and Benefits Team on 01634 331155.

You can also download the application form for free school meals (pdf 60KB). To use this file you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this on your computer please use our advice page.

Other information:

• Why eat school meals?;
• School food standards;
• Healthy meals served in Medway schools.

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