FSM for families with no recourse to public funds

The government has permanently extended free school meal eligibility to children in all households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) subject to maximum income thresholds.  

Eligible groups

These groups include:

  • Zambrano carers
  • families who have no recourse to public funds with a right to remain in the UK on grounds of private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
  • families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 who are also subject to a no recourse to public funds restriction
  • a subset of failed asylum seekers supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Chen carers
  • families holding a British National (Overseas) passport (external link)
  • spousal visa holders
  • work visa holders
  • student visa holders
  • those with no immigration status

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Income thresholds

The maximum income threshold differs based on location and the number of children in a family.

In London, the annual household income thresholds for families able to work are:

  • £31,200 for families with 1 child
  • £34,800 for families with 2 or more children

If you live outside London, but your children attend school in Haringey, you will be subject to lower income thresholds.

Annual household income includes any income or support you may receive in addition to the combined earnings of you and your partner.

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Proof of no recourse to public funds status

Below are examples of how you can confirm your no recourse to public funds (NRPF) status.

This list is not exhaustive. You can give us other proof to confirm your status.

  • Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
    a letter from the Home Office granting them leave to remain in the UK or a biometric  residence card.
  • Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
    a letter from the Home Office or local authority confirming Section 4 support or an ASPEN card.
  • British National (Overseas) passport holders
    a current BN(O) passport or visa
  • Spouse, work or student visa holders
    the valid visa
  • Zambrano or Chen carers may be able to show a derivative residence card. If they do not hold this, they must be able to show that:
    the carer or parent is not a British citizen
    the child is a British citizen
    the carer is a direct relative or legal guardian of the child, and they have the primary responsibility for the child
    there are no other members of the carers’ family in the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA) who could look after the child

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Proof of income

You need to give us proof of all earnings, incomes and other support you and your partner get. For example:

  • payslip
  • P60
  • bank statement
  • letter from their bank
  • letter from their employer
  • letter from the local authority confirming support if applicable

This list is not exhaustive. You can give us other proof to show the earnings, income or support you and your partner get.

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How to apply  

Please download and complete the form:

Where to send the form 

If your child's school is on the list of schools that manage their own free school meals, send the form and proof to the school.  

For all other schools, return the form and your proof by email or post: 

  • FSM@haringey.gov.uk 
  • Corporate and Customer Services | Benefits  
    PO Box 10505  
    Wood Green  
    N22 7WJ 

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Page last updated:

November 7, 2022