FREE SCHOOL MEALS AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCE UPDATE

Current Eligible Families and New Applicants

Parents/guardians who are currently in receipt of support for the 2022/23 school year will receive an e-mail highlighting the need to apply for the 2023/24 school year and the process to do so.

Applications can be submitted from Monday 26 June via the EA website and social media channels.

The application portal can be accessed via the EA website.

https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals-uniform-grants

It is important for all applicants to read and understand what supporting documentation is required for their application. Information on this can also be found on the EA website, via the link above.

Proof of Benefit Letter

The EA recently issued a communication on Tuesday 13 June (from EA Mail) with information on the Proof of Benefit letter that some applicants require.

Applicants can request a Proof of Benefit Letter, by visiting this link.

Special Diet

Parents/Guardians whose child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs (Stage 3) and requires a special diet should contact the Meals and Uniform Section for a paper application form if they wish to apply under the special diet criterion.

Those who received this support for the current school year (2022/2023) have been sent a pre-populated paper form to complete and return.

Free School Meals / Uniform Allowance Helpdesk

The Free Schools Meals and Uniform Allowance Helpdesk is operated by staff across the EA Free School Meals/Uniform Allowance service.

It is available to assist parents and guardians who may have any queries. The Helpdesk operates Monday – Friday from 9am to 4.30pm and can be contacted via email:

mealsanduniform@eani.org.uk

The telephone number which should be used for all enquiries is 028 9041 8044.

Further information including eligibility criteria for the 2023/24 school year and a list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist with any parental queries can be accessed by visiting the website.