Free School Meals
If you are on a low income, you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school, including school meals, transport and uniform. You are probably on a low income if you get benefits such as tax credits or Employment and Support Allowance. If you're not sure, you can ask staff at your local education authority (LEA).
Here is our Free school meals application form. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, check the information below. You can also complete the form and we can check on your behalf.
If you would like us to print a form for you, please email kim.mullen@oxted.thpt.org.uk and she can arrange this for you.
If you would like to complete an online version of the form, click here
Getting Free School Meals
You can apply for free school meals if you get certain benefits.
If you get Universal Credit
You can apply for free school meals if you either:
- started your claim for Universal Credit before 1 April 2018
- earn less than £7,400 a year net, not including benefits
If you get other benefits
You can apply for free school meals if you get any of these benefits:
- Child Tax Credit - you can't apply for free meals if your yearly income is £16,190 or more before tax or you're also entitled to Working Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on - you might get this for 4 weeks if you're no longer eligible for Working Tax Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guarantee Credit (part of Pension Credit)
This website page has some useful advice on getting support with paying for uniforms and transport.
From Surrey County Council
During the school holidays when free school meals are not available, help is still available for families who need additional support. If you are struggling or feel that you are unable to make ends meet, Surrey councils are here and continuing to support you and your communities through these unprecedented times.
They have a dedicated helpline that residents, who are struggling and in need of support, can call on 0300 200 1008 and someone will be able to get them the help they need.
Agencies and Organisations Offering Practical Support
Oxted Foodbank - at Kings Church
The Hygiene Bank
The Hygiene Bank provides toiletries and hygiene products to people experiencing hygiene poverty in the UK and Ireland.
Surrey Crisis Fund
Provides financial help to Surrey residents who have nowhere else to turn in an emergency or following a disaster.
Surrey County Council - Financial Support
The Citizens Advice Service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities, they also have a list of crisis contacts.
Support available to help residents within Surrey access grants for energy efficiency improvements or to help with fuel costs.
CAP Money Course
CAP Money Course is a free course that will teach budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that works.
National Careers Service
Careers advice, CV advice, further education, help with online learning
Education Maintenance Allowance (age 16-19)
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an income-assessed weekly allowance of £30 to help students with the cost of further education. It is paid every two weeks directly into the student’s bank account.
Disability Living Allowance (under 16)
Innovate - Free School Meals
innovate free school meals.pdf