To claim free school meals for a child, generally the following steps apply:

1. Eligibility:

• Children from low-income families whose households receive benefits like SNAP, TANF, or participate in certain assistance programs are usually automatically eligible without application.
• Otherwise, eligibility is based on household income being at or below certain federal poverty guidelines.
• Some programs grant categorical eligibility for foster, homeless, migrant youth, and Head Start participants.

2. Application:

• Schools send school meal applications home at the start of the school year, but applications can be requested or submitted any time during the year.
• Families need to fill out the application form with household income details, names, and signatures.
• If families participate in SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, only limited information is needed (child's name, case number, adult signature).
• Some school districts have online applications.

3. Direct Certification:

• Schools use data matching with federal or state assistance program records to automatically enroll eligible children who are categorically eligible, without needing applications.

4. Submit the application or paperwork to the child's school or school district for processing.
5. Schools will notify families if the child is approved for free meals.

The exact process and eligibility criteria may slightly vary by location, so contacting the child's school or district office can provide local details. In England and some UK areas, families apply through their local authority or the child's school with specific benefit criteria. Would a detailed guide be preferred for a certain country or location? The above mainly covers the US system with some notes on the UK. Summary for US:

• Check if eligible through assistance programs or income.
• Obtain and complete school meal application from school or district.
• Submit application or rely on direct certification.
• Wait for approval notification.

This information is based on recent federal guidance and school district processes as of 2024-2025.