During the coronavirus pandemic, the government has temporarily extended free school meal eligibility. This is to include some children of groups who have no recourse to public funds (NRPF). This means they are not entitled to most welfare benefits, including Universal Credit, Child Benefit etc.
These groups are:
- children of Zambrano carers
- children of families with no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private and family life. This is under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- children of families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. They are also subject to a no recourse to public funds restriction
These groups are subject to a maximum household income threshold of £28,200 (outside London).
The government has also given eligibility to children of a subset of failed asylum seekers. They are supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. This group is not subject to a maximum household income threshold due to the fact that these families are not able to work.
For more information on free school meals eligibility if you have no recourse to public funds, please see the guidance at GOV.UK.
If you are from one of these groups, please do not use the application form on this website. Please email us at schoolmeals@cornwall.gov.uk or call us on 01872 323298.
