Free College Meals

The fund is available to provide Free Meals to disadvantaged learners who meet the eligibility criteria:

• Learners age 16 -19 but must be age 18 on the 31st August prior to the start of the academic year.

• Learners aged 19 who are continuing on the 2nd year of the same study program they started before they turned 19. (Referred to as 19+ Continuers)

• Learners aged 19-25 who have an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan)

In addition to the above the household must also be in receipt of an income based benefit from the list below and this evidence must be provided on the Pay My Student Bursary application form.

• Income Support

• income-based Jobseekers Allowance

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (in receipt of NASS payments)

• the guarantee element of State Pension Credit

• Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC))

• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit

• UC with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 pa (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

To apply for Free College Meals you will need to complete an application on Pay My Student for bursary and upload the evidence requested. Click here for direct access to Pay my Student Bursary form.