Free school meals

In March 2008 the DCSF launched an electronic free school meal eligibility checking system to streamline Free School Meal applications. The ECS (Eligibility Checking Service) allows local authorities to determine a child's eligibility for free school meals by checking against DWP, Home Office and HMRC data, from one central point.

iCasework School Benefits is the first case management solution that fully integrates real-time eligibility checks for both self-service users and customer service centres. The DCSF ECS integration has been developed in partnership with Warwickshire County Council which is one of the pilots for the FSM programme.

Dramatic reduction in avoidable contacts

Incorporating real-time eligibility checks in self-service application forms dramatically reduces the number of avoidable contacts. Up to 80% of all applications can now be verified online by the ECS.

Increased benefit take-up

Improve access to benefits through a true multi-channel strategy:

Deploy application forms on your council's website
Embed application form widgets in school web sites
Utilise our dedicated customer service centre interface to instantly approve applications by phone
Scan and upload paper forms and documentation for the minority of applications that cannot be verified online

Improved customer experience and choice

Instant notification of eligibility to both claimants and schools allows children to receive a free school meal on the day of a successful online application. No need for claimants to renew their entitlement. iCasework will automatically check continued elegibility periodically and informs schools, councils and claimants when eligibility ceases.

Secure schools portal

Schools are provided with access to a dedicated portal providing up to date information of eligible pupils along with the ability of notifying the council when pupils have left the school.

Improved back office efficiency

Moving applications and eligibility checks online, removing the need for renewals and allowing schools to notify children leaving a school through a dedicated portal combine to dramatically improve back office efficiency for processing school benefits.

Building on iCasework's proven benefits

iCasework School Benefits builds on all those features that have made iCasework the case management platform of choice for more than 40 UK local authorities.

Ease of use
Accessible and useable
Integrated progress monitoring and escalation
Automated correspondence by email and letter
Easy upload of reference data such as schools
Complete electronic case file and audit trail
Extensive reporting suite