RE: Free School Meals and Uniform/Physical Education Allowances for School Year 2023/24
I would like to provide an update on the upcoming 2023/24 application process for Free School Meals and School Uniform/Physical Education Clothing Allowances.
The Education Authority (EA) will be issuing communications on the EA website and social media channels to inform parents/guardians of the process for the coming year. We continue to seek your support to promote awareness of Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance, and to encourage all potential applicants to apply for the support available, before 28 July to ensure all is in place for the new school year in September 2023. Timely applications will also help staff and schools as we work towards the Census date of 6th October 2023.
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 Thursday 22 June, however we will be communicating the launch of applications with parents on Monday 26 June via our website and social media channels.
The application portal can be accessed via the EA website.
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
We recently issued a communication with information on the Proof of Benefit letter that some applicants require.
Applicants can request a Proof of Benefit Letter, by visiting this link.
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 our website.