From the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, free school meals eligibility has expanded to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings.
Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the qualifying benefits below:
- Universal Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
- are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds
There are now two qualifying groups for free school meals:
- Targeted free school meals – households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less.
- Expanded free school meals – pupils who do not qualify for targeted free school meals, but are in households receiving Universal Credit.
If a child is awarded free school meals this will continue to the end of the 2026-2027 academic year, even if there is a change in family circumstances that means they should not qualify for free school meals. All claims will be reviewed ahead of the 2027-2028 academic year.
Free school meals for children in all households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) has been permanently extended subject to maximum income thresholds. More information is available here for children of those who have no recourse to public funds. Families in these groups cannot apply online and should telephone our customer service team to apply.
Applications for Free School meals are very straightforward.
Parents can either make the claim online at:
https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-meals/free-school-meals-and-milk
Or contact their customer service team directly
