Updated information on FSM – this text is to be copied direct onto the page.

National changes from September 2026 expand the eligibility to Free School Meals to all households in receipt of Universal Credit. There are two categories of eligibility - targeted and expanded. They both give eligibility to a Free School Meal but if you meet the targeted criteria your child’s school will also receive additional funding through the Pupil Premium. The changes also bring an end to transitional protection - please continue reading this page for details.

Your child, or children, may qualify for Free School Meals if you meet the following criteria:

You or your partner (if you have one) have a child for whom you receive Child Benefit and who is attending a school or college in Telford and Wrekin, and you get any of the following:

• Universal Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

If your family has No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) you may also be entitled to Free School Meals if your income is under £22,700 for families with one child or under £26,300 for families with two or more children. Your capital must also be below £16,000. We will require evidence of all your income and capital. If you are a family with NRPF and you think you may qualify please contact the Free School Meals Team or your child’s school to apply.

Each school receives a weekly list showing the names of all children who are entitled to Free School Meals.

Income will be checked annually before the start of each school year.

Targeted Free School Meals

Families receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 or families who meet the above No Recourse to Public Funds income and capital thresholds.

Pupils who are eligible to receive Targeted Free School Meals will be able to register for the Happy, Healthy Active Holiday clubs. It won’t cost anything to attend and each club has a range of fun activities and a nutritious meal each day. For more details and to register please visit the Happy Healthy Active Holidays website.

Schools will also receive extra funding through the Pupil Premium for those pupils eligible for Targeted Free School Meals.

Expanded Free School Meals

A new category providing entitlement to a free school meal for pupils who do not qualify for Targeted Free School Meals but who live in households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of more than £7,400.