FAQs - Online Application Form

Q: In what circumstances am I entitled for free school meals?

A: You are entitled to free school meals for your children if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income based Job Seeker's Allowance
• Guarantee element of State Pension Credit 
• Child Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £16,190 (as at April 2010) and do not get Working Tax Credit Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Employment Support Allowance (Income Related)
• Please note: If you, or your partner, receive any working tax credit you will not be entitled to free school meals.

Q: Do I need to include all of my children?

A: You should include all of your children that you would like to apply to receive free school meals for that are in full time school education.  This includes council maintained colleges and sixth forms.

Q: Why do I need to agree to your declaration statement?

A: This enables us to use your details to check if they match with the relevant benefit agencies.  This means in the majority of cases we do not need to see any documentary evidence, and your entitlement to free school meals will be checked much quicker.

Q: Why do you need my details if I am completing the form on behalf of the applicant?

A: We need to know your name so that if there are any queries on the application for free school meals we have a suitable contact.

Q: Why do I need to be at least 15 years of age to apply online?

A: To apply for free school meals you must have a National Insurance Number / NASS number, you will not have a National Insurance Number until you are 15 years of age.  If the applicant is under 15 years of age and needs to apply for free school meals please contact us directly on 01522 782030.

Q: Why do I need to provide a National Insurance Number or NASS Number?

A: Your National Insurance Number / NASS number is used to check if you are in receipt of the qualifying benefit/s on the online checking system.

Q: My National Insurance Number is not being accepted?

A: The form you are completing checks that the National Insurance Number is valid.  If you are having problems please check the national insurance number you are entering to be correct. 

Q: Why might the school I wish to apply for not be available to select?

This would indicate that the chosen school is not maintained by Lincolnshire County Council. For example, this school may be maintained by a different council or may be privately maintained.  If you believe the school should be available to be selected please contact us on 01522 782030.

Q: What do I do if my school is not in the list?

You could contact your school directly to find out which local authority it is maintained by. This information can also be found out at www.edubase.gov.uk

Q: Why do you ask for my relationship to the child?

A: If the relationship of the applicant is anything other than son or daughter we will ask for evidence to show that the child(ren) lives in the household and the applicant receives benefits on behalf of them.  If further evidence is required we will contact you directly by your preferred contact method.

Q: What is the reference number?

A: When a new application is made, the application is automatically given a reference number; this makes it easier to find your details on any future queries.

Q: What happens to my application now?

A: Your application will now be processed to determine if the applicant is eligible for free school meals and you should receive your result within 3-5 working days.

Q: I haven’t found the answer to my question in the FAQ’s, what should I do?

A: You should contact our customer service centre on 01522 782030.