Free School Meal and HAF information
Message from local authority - September 2024
Going forward, free school meal vouchers issued to families during school holidays will no longer continue into the new 2024/25 academic year and beyond.
The authority will, however, continue to offer ‘Holiday Activities and Food’ during the school holidays, where eligible children can enjoy fun activities and a meal, free of charge. Schools are advised to inform parents that they can go to HAF link - click here.
In addition, for families who need extra financial support during the school holidays, schools are advised to inform parents that help is also still available on the ‘Supporting Sandwell information hub’, which
includes financial advice. Schools are advised to inform parents that they can go to supporting Sandwell government page for more information.
HAF Information
Free school meals and HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) information
Free School Meals
Many families in Sandwell could get free school meals but don't claim for them.
This can be applied for in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 so that you do not have to pay for meals when they go into Year 3.
Your child may be entitled to free school meals if:
- your annual income is less than £16,190; and
- you claim Child Tax Credit (*Not Including Working Tax Credit) only; and
- your child is attending a Sandwell School (if your child(ren) doesn't attend a Sandwell School, you will need to apply to the Local Authority which your child(ren) school is in)
*Please note you will not qualify for free school meals if you receive any amount of Working Tax Credit. Before applying please check your latest Tax Credit Awards Notice if you are unsure.
Your child may also qualify for free school meals if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Universal Credit ** if you apply on or after 1 April 2018, your household income must be less than £7,400 a year as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods (after tax and not including any benefits you get) Your net earned income is your household income after taxes and deductions and does not include income from Universal Credit or any other benefits you may receive.
- Employment and Support Allowance (income related)
- Guaranteed Pension Credit (including Child Tax Credit)
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- support from the National Asylum Support Service.