The Education Authority (EA) will be issuing communications on the EA website and social media channels to inform parents / guardians of Free School Meals and Clothing Allowances, and we would encourage all potential applicants to apply for the support available.
Parents / guardians who are currently in receipt of support for the 2020/21 school year will not be sent a pre-populated form for the 2021/22 school year. All parents / guardians (including new applicants) are required to apply on-line from Monday, 7th June 2021 via the EA website:
https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals.
It is recommended that parents / guardians apply during the month of June, or as early as possible, to enable applications to be processed for support to be in place for their children for the new school year. Parents / guardians are being advised of the importance of providing valid Bank or Building Society account details in the claimant’s own name. Payments cannot be made into Post Office accounts.
Parents / guardians whose child has a Statement of Special Educational Needs (Stage 5) 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 criteria.
The Free Schools Meals and Uniform Grants Helpdesk is operated by staff across the EA Free School Meals / Uniform Grants service. It is available to assist parents / guardians and schools who may have any queries. The Helpdesk operates Monday – Friday from 9.00am 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 2021-22 school year and a list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist with any queries can be accessed by logging onto www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals
