Change of circumstances

Personal details

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

Financial situation

Children no longer remain eligible for free school meals if a parent or carer’s circumstances change.

Eligibility is now based on current receipt of a qualifying benefit.

A full eligibility check was completed before the start of the September 2026 term to ensure all pupils showing as eligible were actively receiving a qualifying benefit.

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 received free school meals before moving into Kent, you need to make a new application for their new school. If the school need to know the date your child was first made eligible they can contact the previous school to get this.