Stockport Council is encouraging families who are entitled to Free School Meals not to miss out.
Some Stockport families are still paying for school meals for their child when they do not have to. They could be claiming up to £350 a year for each child.
Councillor Shan Alexander, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Achievement, said:
“The Council is committed to ensuring that families who are eligible and would benefit from Free School Meals know how to, and are supported in the application process. Also, registering your child for a Free School Meal benefits your school as they receive extra money.”
Families that receive any of the following benefits or meet the below criteria are entitled to Free School Meals:
- Income Support
- Income-Based Job Seeker’s Allowance
- Income related Employment Support Allowance
- Guarantee part of Pension Credit
- Or if you have an annual income (as assessed by the HM Revenue & Customs) of less than £16,190 each year, but not Working Tax Credit – your child will be eligible to receive Free School Meals
Registering your child for a Free School Meal also benefits their school as they receive extra funds as the government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their best – this funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’.
To check if your family is eligible for Free School Meals call into any Stockport Direct Local Centre for a benefits check. For further information call 0161 217 6009 or visit www.stockport.gov.uk/benefits