To ask why do people not working claiming FSM get this for free?

[Sprinkledusting]

I’ve just discovered if you claim FSM and even if you’re not working, you can send your child to morning/after school club for free. And not just in our school either.
There are also sports clubs and holiday clubs during school holidays that state they are free for those who claim FSM. To claim free school meals your income has to be so low that you’re not working full time or not working at all, which of the people I know, most are not.
But those who are working have to pay for breakfast club/holiday clubs.

Can someone explain to me the logic behind this? As I simply don’t understand it.

Course they do. They don't care about it benefiting the kids, all they care about is adults getting something they don't. It honestly makes me sick and this is coming from someone who never got FSM for mine.

In my son's school they use the extra funding they receive for those children to cover the cost, and it also maintains numbers in holiday club especially. This means we always have enough demand to run full affordable wraparound care all year, which solves my childcare issues, so I couldn't be happier about it.

And when you're older (and assuming youve paid the mortgage and do actually own your home) you'll be paying for your own care/care home, so NO inheritance to leave to the DC

Most people don't end up in care homes and those that do often are not in there for long.

These benefit bashing threads are getting more frequent. Could there be a GE around the corner?

The problem is you’re making an assumption that because a parent is working and doesn’t qualify they have a much better standard of living. The gap between the lowest/middle incomes and those qualifying for benefits is much narrower than it once was and is quickly closing.

Lots of families are in this level of poverty due to disability within the household.

Well done on reporting your relative for blatant benefit fraud!

You did report them, right?

Yep. I think the Tories are scared.

OP I can understand your frustration if you're struggling financially. But it isn't a race to the bottom and I'm not sure why you would begrudge hungry children getting fed and cared for. Statistically, children on FSM do worse in life so it's about breaking that cycle. Taking something away from them won't benefit you.

You are lucky you own your home, providing stability for your family.

As others have said, you seem to have researched how to drop your hours to get FSM - if that's what you really want, then go for it. Good luck!

These threads, fuck me. some people!

FSM aside this gets posted a lot on here

You're right though it makes no sense

And if,God forbid in the future OP finds herself unable to afford her mortgage payments,what then? She'd find herself turfed out by the bank/building soc that actually owns the property and homeless. No assured tenancy for her. So sick of seeing this trotted out on MN that 'home owners' have to put up and shut up because they're so privileged when in fact until the mortgage is payed off in full they own nothing.

Children who grow up in homes where there is generational unemployment are more likely to be exposed to other social issues (alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, neglect, abuse etc.) and are less likely to attain employment in the future.

Giving them further opportunities for education and social inclusion just narrows the gap with their peers and increases their likelihood of future success. It doesn’t disadvantage anyone.

Children of feckless parents are better off in childcare than at home. That says it all really. Your child is loved and cared for, the opportunities you give are not material but much more important things such as work ethic, moral integrity. There are free things you can do - libraries have things on in the holidays for example. Holiday clubs are just childcare - they aren't some amazing thing that kids love. Most kids would rather be at home given the choice

So don't do it then! Rent a home and live like that!

I'M so sick of people saying that renting and getting UC is such a great life but they actually don't want to live that life themselves! Can't be that good then can it?

Precisely. A secure tenancy from a local authority or housing association is much more secure than any mortgaged property.

As if any of you would actually want to live in HA. There are threads on here all the time "should I buy a house near HA properties" and the general consensus is that they're full of anti social yobs.

Have you spoken to the school and let them know you are struggling? Our head has some discretionary places on club and trips to give out outside of the criteria, because we know the criteria doesn't perfectly capture the actual need. We rely on the senior leadership of the school to know families and use judgement. If you talk to school they might be able ot help or signpost alternative services depending on your local situation and personal circumstances.

No I'm not.

I've said before it's a crude measure sure. But they need a cut off and an objective way of doing it.

I made that comment as someone who helps oversee delivery....not a service user.

Regardless, just because something is free doesn't mean people have no right to criticise it's quality. Surely it's common sense that what's in your area will be different in another?

Yes , thank you! We don’t actually claim the fsm, although we could, she just continues to get the pupil premium and the school really want the extra funding.

Where I live the areas aren't great but the houses are with a reasonable big garden. It wouldn't be an issue if I was that in that situation to live in them.

FWIW about three months after my husband bought his house he lost his job and never been able to getting the same paid job. Yes we are lucky to have a mortgage but it isn't paid off yet and we struggle financially hence the UC so in some ways we are no better situation than you.

Just want to point out the eligibility for FSM:

Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
*
Look how skint you have to be to receive it.* *

Anyone who receives it can have all the free breakfast clubs in the world for me since their household income is disgustingly low.* *

Maybe think about that before moaning about what they do get.*

I wasn’t feeling jealous beforehand, but having watched that video I’m now having a little cry. It’s just not right.

It’s just an easy way to assess who’s on the lowest income without an extensive means test. If you aren’t entitled to FSM you are better off than those who are

Wait until you hear about pupil premium!