From the start of the 2026-27 academic year, the Department for Education has introduced new eligibility rules for Free School Meals (FSM).
If your household receives one or more elements of Universal Credit, your child may now be entitled to Free School Meals.
The £7,400 Universal Credit income threshold has been removed, meaning more families may now qualify.
You may be eligible if you receive:
• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (if not entitled to Working Tax Credit and annual gross income is no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on payments
A new national application system is now in place, allowing families to apply for both Free School Meals and School Uniform Clothing Grants through a single application.
Please note: Eligibility is not automatic. If you think your child may qualify, you must submit an application.
Families already receiving Free School Meals and School Uniform Grants do not need to reapply.
For more information and to apply, visit the Westmorland & Furness Council website:
🔗 Free school meals and clothing vouchers | Westmorland and Furness Council