Change of circumstances

Personal details

If your personal details have changed you need to let your child's school know.

Financial situation

If your financial situation changes your child will continue to receive free school meals as they are covered under transitional protection. You do not need to do anything.

Since 1 April 2018, transitional protections were put in place for children who might otherwise have lost free school meals following the update to eligibility criteria.

Transitional protections support any pupil who:

• is in receipt of free school meals before 1 April 2018. They will continue to receive free school meals during the Universal Credit rollout period. This applies even if they no longer meet the eligibility criteria during that time.
• becomes eligible for free school meals after 1 April 2018. They will continue to receive free school meals during the Universal Credit rollout period. This applies even if they no longer meet the eligibility criteria during the rollout period.

Email freeschoolmeals@kent.gov.uk if don't want your child to receive free school meals any longer.

Urgent food and supplies

If your child is not currently eligible for free school meals or you are waiting for a benefit application to be approved and need food and supplies urgently, contact Kent Support and Assistance Service.

Moving from primary to secondary

You do not need to re-apply when your child is moving from primary to secondary school. Your child’s previous school should send confirmation to the new school to tell them your child is already receiving free school meals.

Moving home in the summer holidays

If you move home before the summer holidays make sure you inform your school.

Moving into Kent

If your child already receives free school meals before moving into Kent, you do not need to apply. Your child’s previous school will send confirmation to the new school to tell them your child is already receiving free school meals.