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Key Information: Free School Meals 

National regulations for Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility are changing. 

Because national transitional protections are coming to an end, all current FSM recipients, as well as new applicants, must undergo a new eligibility check before 1st September 2026, to qualify for the 2026/27 academic year. 

Free School Meals Eligibility

If you live in the Liverpool City Region and receive any of the following benefits, you can claim free school meals for your school-aged child.

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment Support Allowance
  • Housing Benefit
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit – as long as you have a yearly household income of less than £16,190 (as assessed by HM Revenue and Customs) and do not get Working Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
  • Universal Credit.

More information can be found here.

 

What is Changing? 

Starting September 2026, the Government is widening FSM access. Students from households on Universal Credit will now be entitled to free school meals once their eligibility is verified. 

Going forward, benefits-related Free School Meals will be split into two distinct categories:

  • Targeted Free School Meals: This applies to families on Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, alongside other standard qualifying benefit categories. This specific group remains connected to Pupil Premium funding and additional targeted support. 
  • Expanded Free School Meals: This new category covers pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit.

Please Note: If you complete your eligibility check before 31st August 2026, and your child qualifies, their free school meal entitlement will officially begin on 1st September 2026.

Daily Free School Meal Allowance

  • Daily Amount: Eligible students receive a daily allowance of £2.65 to use for food and drink at lunch. It cannot be used at break time.
  • Balances: The allowance resets daily. Unused funds do not roll over to the next day, so students are highly encouraged to use their full balance daily. 
  • Overages: Any purchases exceeding the daily limit must be covered via your child’s online catering account. 

How to Apply or Recheck Your Status 

All applications must be submitted directly to the school via the CUC Portal. You can access the online form here.

Who Should Apply?

We advise any family who believes they might qualify, including all households receiving Universal Credit, to submit an application. The automated system will determine whether your child qualifies for Targeted or Expanded Free School Meals.

How the Process Works: 

  • The system will automatically re-verify your status for up to 42 days after your initial application. 

  • If your household circumstances change during these 6 weeks, both you and the school will be automatically notified, and we will update our records accordingly. 

Why You Should Apply Anyway:

Even if your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, we strongly encourage you to apply. Registering for Targeted Free School Meals secures vital extra funding and support for both the CUC and your child.

Questions? 

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email CUC Student Services at [email protected].

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