Free School Meals Students

This page provides information on proving eligibility for free school meals. If you can provide evidence that you are eligible for free school meals, Up Learn is free.

ACCEPTABLE PROOF

Eligibility

If you can provide proof of ANY SINGLE ONE of the below from a parent, guardian or the rent-payer then you are eligible:

1. Income Support

A 4-page letter from Jobcentre Plus, dated within the last 8 weeks, stating that the person is currently in receipt of Income Support. We require a copy of all four pages.

2. Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

A 4-page letter from Jobcentre Plus, dated within the last 8 weeks, stating that the person is currently in receipt of income-related ESA. We require a copy of all four pages.

Please note: Contributory ESA is not a qualifying free school meals benefit.

3. Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

A 4-page letter from Jobcentre Plus, dated within the last 8 weeks, stating that the person is currently in receipt of income-based JSA. We require a copy of all four pages.

Please note: the Jobseeker’s Attendance Card cannot be used as proof because it does not specify that the JSA is income-based. Contribution-based JSA is not a qualifying free school meals benefit.

4. Universal Credit

A complete copy of your last universal credit statement, including a payment breakdown and an overview of your household income.

Your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get).

4. Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

A recent letter from the UK Borders Agency confirming the claimant is entitled to support. We require a copy of all pages. We will also require the NASS (National Asylum Seeker’s Service) number, date of birth and surname of the claimant in order to carry out an eligibility check.

Please note: Asylum seekers do not normally have a National Insurance number until their asylum application has been processed. Once they have a National Insurance number, their application will need to be re-assessed.

5. Child Tax Credit

The most recent 6-8 page Tax Credit Award notice (TC602) from HMRC relating to the current financial year. We require a copy of all pages.

The person will need to receive Child Tax Credit (usually on page 1 and 4), have income below the £16,190 threshold (page 3) and have no ongoing entitlement to Working Tax Credit (page 4).

Please note: Those in receipt of Working Tax Credit or who receive over £16,190 as assessed for the most recent financial year on their Award do not qualify. If two people are on the same Tax Credit Award (joint claim) then income levels and tax credit elements will be applicable to both claimants, including Working Tax Credit. If the person has mislaid their Tax Credit award or wishes to update any of their details with HMRC, they can phone the Helpline on 0345 300 3900.

7. Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Your latest Tax Credit award notice (TC602) and a letter from your most recent employer stating the date that your employment was terminated. We require a copy of all pages.

Please note: You are only eligible during the 4-week period after employment has ceased.

8. Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

A 4-6 page letter from Department of Work and Pensions dated within the last 3 months stating that the claimant is in receipt of the Guarantee element. We require a copy of all pages.

Please note: Pension Credit payment books cannot be accepted as proof of eligibility because they do not specify the type of Pension Credit the person is receiving. Forms stamped by the Pension Service cannot be accepted as proof of eligibility because they do not specify that the person receives the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit..

If you have the necessary documentation ready, notify us and start your access to Up Learn now!

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