Free School Meals/School Uniform/Physical Education Clothing Allowance applications 2020-21.

Free School Meals/School Uniform/Physical Education Clothing Allowance 2020-21

The Education Authority (EA) has been continuing to process applications for Free School Meals /
Uniform Grants / Physical Education Clothing allowances throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. With
the new academic year approaching EA want to provide an update on 2020/21 applications.
Current Eligible Families

Parents/guardians who are currently in receipt of support for the 2019/20 school year will receive
a pre-populated application form from EA, which they are required to complete and return as soon
as possible to help avoid any delays. Forms to begin arriving week commencing 6 July 2020.

New Applicants
This year EA have also introduced a new online application form for new applicants.
Parents/guardians will be required to complete the form and upload supporting documentation to
verify they are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits. Both the paper based form and online
form are accessible from the EA website – https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-schoolmeals
Applicants can also request an application form from the Meals and Uniform Section (contact details
below).

Forms prior to 2020-21 should be discarded.

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 if they wish to apply under the special
diet criteria.

It is important that a school should not give free school meals to any pupil until the Education
Authority issues authorisation.

Further information including eligibility criteria for the 2020-21 school year can be accessed by
logging onto www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals

Free School Meals / Uniform Grants Helpdesk
EA Free Schools Meals and Uniform Grants Helpdesk is available, to assist any parents/guardians
who may have any queries. The Helpdesk operates Monday – Friday, during office hours and can be
contacted via email:

Omagh Meals and Uniforms - Omagh@eani.org.uk

EA have also compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions on our website to assist with any
parental queries.