Free School Meals – Could Your Child Be Eligible?
How to apply: The quickest and easiest way to apply is online using Norfolk Education Online (NEO). Please follow the link via the QR code below on your mobile device which will take you to the application process.
You can also:
- Download and complete a paper application form, or
- Collect an application form from the school office.
If your children attend different schools, you will need to submit a separate application for each school.
Who can apply? From September 2026, children may be eligible if their parent or carer receives one of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) or British National (Overseas) status may also be eligible and should complete the NRPF Free School Meals application.
Please note that some benefits that qualified previously (such as Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance and certain Tax Credits) are only valid for applications made up to the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
Already receiving Free School Meals? If you are a Norfolk resident and your child already receives benefit-related Free School Meals, you do not need to reapply each year. Norfolk County Council will check your eligibility automatically before the start of each school year. If your circumstances change or your child moves school, please let the school know.
If you think your family may be eligible, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Should you need any help with the application process, please contact us and we will be happy to help.