Free College Meals 2025/6 – Who is Eligible?
Learners who are 16-18 years old or have an EHCP or are 19+ continuers and where the household are in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £17,004)
Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 per annum
Meals in 2025/26
Only available on days timetabled to attend college
Up to £4.50 per day for 16-18 or £3.80 per day for 19+ via the cashless meal system to be used to purchase a meal (not for confectionary or drinks, water will be provided)
Learners will not be able to use their meal cards to purchase confectionery and drinks. Drinking water will be made available.