Free school meals are only available to children whose parents/guardian receives one of the following benefits: -

• Income Support
• Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
• Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, but DO NOT receive any Working Tax Credit, and their annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £16,190 (from 6th April 2012)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Where do I apply for Free School Meals?

Applications must be made to the local authority where the school is situated. 

For children attending a school in Carmarthenshire, all applications must be made to the following department:

Free School Meals Section
Department for Education & Children
Building 2, St David's Park
Jobswell Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3HB

How do I apply for Free School Meals?

To apply for Free School Meals you can: -

• Telephone 01267 246521/246525 and a form will be sent to you, OR
• You can e-mail facilitiesmanagement@carmarthenshire.gov.uk with your name and address and a form will be sent to you.
• You are required to complete the Free School Meals application form available for download in the box on the right

and return it with the relevant proof to:

Free School Meals Section
Department for Education & Children
Building 2, St David's Park
Jobswell Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3HB

Alternatively you can return your completed form to any of our Customer Service Centre’s listed on the application form.

What proof will I need?

The type of proof that we need is listed below:

• A photocopy of the decision letter from the benefits office showing your entitlement to Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance – Income Based, OR
• A photocopy of your Inland Revenue Tax Credit Award / Pension Credit, OR
• Your application form stamped and dated by the benefits office indicating which benefit you are entitled to, OR
• The proof needed for Asylum Seekers to receive free school meals for their children is their IND Letter or IND Card, Social Services Letter or their N.A.S.S. Letter.

What happens next?

Once we receive your completed application form together with proof of eligibility, we will envisage to process your application within 10 working days.  You will be notified of the award by letter.

Free School Meals cannot be granted to any child until we have received a correctly completed form together with correct proof of benefit. 

What happens if my circumstances change?

If an applicant ceases to receive one of the above mentioned benefits, they must inform the Free School Meals office immediately as entitlement to free school meals must be cancelled (Telephone 01267 246521/246525 ).  Giving false information or failing to disclose a change in circumstances may lead to legal proceedings.

What do I do to maintain my claim for Free School Meals?

Free school meals are granted for a period of 12 months.  Upon confirmation of your initial award, you will receive a letter informing you of the dates of eligibility. 

In order to avoid any delay in the continuity of free school meals, it is suggested that you re-apply approximately 4 weeks before the expiry date.

It is your responsibility to re-apply for free school meals on or before the renewal date.