Skip to content
In this section
Share this page

Free school meals for families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

Information for families who wish to apply for free school meals under the no recourse to public funds criteria.

Extension of the free school meal criteria

The government has permanently extended free school meal eligibility to children in all households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), subject to maximum income thresholds.

This includes, but may not be limited to children of:

  • Zambrano carers
  • families who have no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
  • families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 who are also subject to a no recourse to public funds restriction
  • a subset of failed asylum seekers supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Chen carers
  • families holding a BN(O)passport
  • spousal visa holders
  • work visa holders
  • student visa holders
  • those with no immigration status

Documentary evidence and proof of earnings will be requested after you make an application.

You will be required to provide copies of the relevant documents along with your application reference number to your child’s school or to the professional service supporting you with your application.

Zambrano Carer

  • Earning evidence – pay slip, bank statement, employment contract
  • Copy of a derivative residents card, if available

Leave to remain in the UK under article 8 of the ECHR

  • Earning evidence – pay slip, bank statement, employment contract
  • Home office letter granting you leave to remain or Biometric residence card

Section 17 of the Children Act 1989

  • Earning evidence – pay slip, bank statement, employment contract
  • Child in Need letter from the local authority dated within the last six months.

Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

  • Home Office or local authority letter confirming Section 4 support, dated within the last six months.

For further help with your application contact 0116 454 1009 option 3.

Income thresholds

Under the permanent extension of free school meal eligibility to all NRPF groups, the annual household income thresholds for those families able to work are:

  • £22,700 for families with 1 child
  • £26,300 for families with 2 or more children

How will I receive the free school meal

Schools can choose how they provide the entitlement.  If you are entitled and not aware of the arrangement, contact the school direct.