Free School Meals / Uniform Allowance
The Education Authority (EA) has issued communications on the EA website and social
media channels this week to inform parents/guardians of the process for the coming year.
We wish to promote awareness of Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance, and to
encourage all potential applicants to apply for the support available, before 31 July to
ensure all is in place for the new school year in September 2022.
Current Eligible Families and New Applicants Parents/guardians who are currently in
receipt of support for the 2021/22 school year will receive a letter highlighting the need to
apply for the 2022/23 school year and the process to do so.
All parents/guardians (including new applicants) will be able to apply online from 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 be found on the
EA website.
Special Diet - 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 criterion.
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 2022-23 school year and a
list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist with any parental queries can be accessed by
visiting our website.
