The Government is bringing in the new criteria to tie-in with the rollout of universal credit, which will replace the existing benefits system. Under the current system parents or carers on benefits such as child tax credit with a household income under £16,000 a year a year tend to use FSM.
Currently families receiving universal credit are entitled to free school meals, however this could change if Government plans to introduce a new eligibility criteria based on net earnings of up to £7,400 per household excluding benefits, which is the equivalent to £18,000 to £24,000 a year including benefits, are implemented in April.
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