School Meals
Children from Reception to Year 2 are entitled to Universal Free School Meals.
For children from Years 3-6:
The cost of a School Meal is £9 per week payable on a Monday morning using SchoolMoney (click here)
From 1st September 2026, free school meals are available to pupils whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
These new rules also mean that some children who already get free school meals may no longer be entitled to them.
A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:
- a claim for this support has been made
- their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
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
Children from Reception to Year 2 will still be entitled to Universal Free School Meals.
Even if you think your child is eligible, but would not take a school meal, by applying, you will allow the school to claim additional funding for new equipment and resources for all of our children, so it is really worth completing this form.
For further information visit:
www.liverpool.gov.uk/benefits/free-school-meals/
