Apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM)

Some families can get free school meals based on income or benefits. This is called Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM).

If your child qualifies, they’ll get free school meals and, if they’re of compulsory school age, you’ll also receive the School Essentials Grant. 

Apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM)

Who qualifies

You can apply if you receive one of these: 

Income Support 
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance 
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit 
Child Tax Credit (as long as you’re not also getting Working Tax Credit) and your annual income is below £16,190 
Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit) 
Universal Credit and your household income is less than £7,400 a year after tax and not including benefits (£616.67 monthly)

If you’re not sure, apply anyway - we’ll check for you.  

Who should apply

Parents or carers of children in full-time primary or secondary school 
Even if your child already gets Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) in primary school, you must apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) to unlock extra support.

If your child is already receiving Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM), you do not need to apply again.

Before you start: what you’ll need

Your National Insurance number or NASS number
Your child’s details:

Full name
Date of birth
School name

How to apply

Apply online. It only takes a few minutes. 

Apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM)

If you need help, contact our Free School Meals team on 01437 764551 or free.school.meals@pembrokeshire.gov.uk 

What happens after you apply

We’ll check your details against national systems. 
This usually takes up to 5 working days. If it takes longer, we will let you know.

If you’re eligible: 

Your child’s school will be told within one week. 
You’ll also be considered for the School Essentials Grant - within two weeks of the application being received.

If you’re not eligible: 

We’ll let you know by email or letter within 5 working days.

How much support you get

Free school meals for your child.
Access to the School Essentials Grant (if your child is of compulsory school age):

£200 for pupils entering Year 7.
£125 for all other year groups (from Reception to Year 11).

Benefits of applying

Free school meals for secondary pupils. 
Extra funding for your child’s school.
Unlocks the School Essentials Grant for help with uniform, kit, and equipment (if your child is of compulsory school age).

Changes and re-applying

We check eligibility regularly, so you don’t need to reapply every year unless:

Your circumstances change.
You change your surname.
You need to apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) for any child you haven’t applied for before.

If your income or benefits change, let us know as soon as possible.

Need help?

Call: 01437 764551 Email: free.school.meals@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

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