Free school meals and free school travel cards are available only to children who attend the Islands Primary and Secondary schools, or to students aged 18 and under who attend the University College IoM on a full-time basis provided that:

a)      The parent(s) or guardians(s) of the pupil or student are in receipt of the following benefits:

• Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
   
• Employed Person’s Allowance
   
• Income Support

b)      In the case of students at the University College IoM, the parent(s) or guardians(s) are not in receipt of an award from the Student Awards Section of the Department of Education, Sport & Culture.

c)       The child or student travels more than one mile to or from the school/college they attend. (Free School Travel only)

If you wish to apply for Free School Meals and Free School travel card, you must complete and submit this online form as soon as possible, Free School meals and Free School travel card applications cannot be approved until the information you supply has been verified by the Social Security Division of the Treasury.

The free meal allowance is calculated to enable the child to obtain a 2-course midday meal excluding drinks (water is available in all schools). A range of drinks are available to purchase, if desired, within cash cafeterias in all secondary schools and in the University College IoM.

Claims for school year 2022/2023 – term starts Wednesday 7 September 2022.

Claims for school year 2023/2024 – term starts Wednesday 6 September 2023.

Application forms to be submitted by Friday 21 July 2023 to ensure meals and travel cards are in place for the first day of term.

The lead parent / guardian must be in receipt of Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employed Person’s Allowance or Income Support.

Please note applications will not be processed if you reside 1 mile or less of the school your child attends. If you are unsure or you would like to check your mileage please use the approved government system https://www.gov.im/maps/

Please note that the outcome for any application received for the next academic year will be sent to you by letter in August 2023.