Free school dinners?

charliepink_2

Hi wondering if anyone could help? My hubby earns less than 15k a year and we were wondering if we are entitled to free school meals? I currently pay £9.25 for my 2 youngest and £12.50 for my eldest child a week.

We get child tax credit and were told that because we get working tax credit which is only £14 a week we are not entitiled.

Even if we were given a discount that would help us a lot. And i know some people will say give my children sandwiches, i do in summer but i like them to have a hot meal in winter.

Any help would be great thanks x

kingfisherblue

My understanding is that you do not get free school dinners if you recceive WTC, but I'm happy to be proven wrong

charliepink_2

Oh thanks forgot to say that in my local paper they had an article that more people were entitled to free school meals but didn't put who qualified.

Could do with WTC being put into my CTC it only £14 and not really worth paying seperately!

kingfisherblue

The list for benefits qualifying for free school meals is here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/SchoolLife/DG_4016089

[Deleted User]

their are plans for free school meals for all in upto year 6 in england....eventually

SuziG_2

I've looked into this at great length and it appears if we get WTC, even if our overall income is below £15,000 we don't get it!!!! Some serious loopholes when it comes to those of us who work part time to try to contribute and set an example to our kids!

Suzi G

bestpud

It seems you can if you live in Scotland. No use to you OP, but it might be for someone else reading this thread.

This is one of the benefit decisions that just doesn't seem fair, I agree.

I know they have to have a cut off point but people should not be penalised for working.

mazza111

Must be certain parts of scotland then, i've been told u don't get it if u get WTC, only CTC

karenx

Im in scotland and recieve WTC and get free school meals, there is a limit as to how much you actually earn to be able to recieve them free, income not including tax credits etc, wages alone.
Here is the link to it on my local council website-

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/Learning/Schools/support/school-grants

lovetowinacar

Unfortunately people are often worse off when they work since they don't get free school meals and other associated benefits - crazy that you work and yet are worse off than people who do not. The benefits system really needs an overhaul in my opinion

[Deleted User]

I am getting fed up with these complaints of "us workers are worse off than the unemployed".

Would you prefer the unemployed/incapacitated were worse off?

Do you want to just give benefits to everyone?

There are rules. Love them or loathe them we can't change then to suit ourselves.

The rules state that the unemployed should be looking for work unless there are mitigating circumstances so they should be in work soon enough and then they will be in the same situation as you.