Question 1

Why can’t you verify my registration? ❌

Accepted Answer

This might be because:
Your child is not eligible for benefits‑related Free School Meals (FSM). Children who get Universal FSM are not eligible.
Your child is eligible for benefits‑related FSM, but we couldn’t find them on the FSM list. In this case please send evidence of eligibility to enquiries@hafdudley.co.uk. You can see the full list of what evidence we can accept in the question: “I’ve received an email saying my registration can’t be verified but I get benefits‑related free school meals – what do I need to do?”
Your child does not meet the additional criteria for the 15% discretionary funding.

For full details on who is eligible, please go here

Question 2

I’ve registered and not heard anything yet - what’s happening? 🔔

Accepted Answer

Your registration is being checked to see if you are eligible. This usually takes a few working days, but it may take longer when we are busy.

You will get an email when your registration has been approved or declined, and it will tell you what to do next.

Question 3

I get benefits-related free school meals but you can’t verify me❗

Accepted Answer

This usually happens for simple reasons like:
your child has recently moved schools
there's a typo in their name or date of birth
it’s a recent FSM application
you get universal free school meals, not benefits-related free school meals

To approve your registration, please send evidence of getting benefits-related free school meals to the HAF team at enquiries@hafdudley.co.uk

Evidence can be:
a screenshot of FSM application acceptance on https://my.dudley.gov.uk/en,
a confirmation email, a picture of a letter confirmation or account notification
an email showing school holiday food vouchers for the named child
confirmation from the FSM team (you can request this at Freeschoolmeals.Benefits@dudley.gov.uk)

Evidence can not be:
Universal Credit statement
screenshot of your child’s dinner app/account

If you think you are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, but haven’t applied yet, you will need to apply and be approved for free school meals before we can approve your HAF registration. You can apply for free school meals here. When your free school meal eligibility is confirmed, simply send a copy of your confirmation to the HAF team at enquiries@hafdudley.co.uk and we can approve your HAF registration.

Frequently asked questions

Why can’t you verify my registration? ❌

I’ve registered and not heard anything yet - what’s happening? 🔔

I get benefits-related free school meals but you can’t verify me❗