Parents do not have to pay for school lunches if they 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 Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment finishes or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week
Children who receive Income Support or income-based Job Seeker's Allowance in their own right qualify as well. All pupils who do not qualify for free school lunches must be charged the same amount for the same quantity of the same item.
How to apply
If you wish to apply for free school meals, please contact the school that your child attends.
Southampton City Council
