Who Qualifies for Free School Meals?

From September 2026, eligibility expanded to cover all children in households receiving Universal Credit, split into two categories: 

• Targeted Free School Meals (Universal Credit net earned income of £7,400 or less): Qualifies the child for free school meals and unlocks extra school funding like the Pupil Premium.

• Expanded Free School Meals (Universal Credit net earned income above £7,400): Qualifies the child for the free meal itself, though it may not carry extra Pupil Premium funding depending on the tier. 

Other Qualifying Benefits

Children can also get free school meals if their parent or carer receives any of the following:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Guarantee Element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

How do I apply for Free School Meals?

The school has no role in determining whether a pupil is eligible for Free School Meals. If you have any queries, please contact the free school meals team at Worcestershire Local Authority.
 
Telephone : 01905 678154
Email : freeschoolmeals@worcestershire.gov.uk