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Free school meals

Coronavirus update 

Visit our free school meals Coronavirus update page for further information on free school meal shopping vouchers, and free school meals for groups with no recourse to public funds.  

Some children attending Bedford Borough schools may be eligible for free school meals. The child must attend a school in Bedford Borough, although may live outside the local authority.

Your child might be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following:

  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals. Your child might also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

  • younger than the compulsory age for starting school
  • in full-time education

Complete a paper free school meal application form (Word) or apply for free school meals online:

If you are not contacted by the school or the free school meals administrator within three weeks of the application you can assume your application is unsuccessful.

  Apply for free school meals

Eligibility

If your child is eligible for free school meals, they’ll remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling (primary or secondary) they’re in on 31 March 2022.

If you change your address or have any questions please email FSMcensus@bedford.gov.uk

Infant free school meals in England

Your child will be able to get free school meals if they’re in:

  • reception class
  • year one
  • year two

Tell your local authority if you also get any of the qualifying benefits and complete a universal free school meal registration form (Word). Your child’s school can get extra funding if you do.