Free school meals

Free school meals are a real help with the weekly shop. There's no weekly rate to claim, because the school simply provides your child's lunch, but it can save you around £500 per child per year. Big changes started this September, so this one's worth a look even if you've been told "no" before.

Who can get them in England? (from September 2026)

• Any child in a household getting Universal Credit now qualifies, whatever your earnings. The old limit of £7,400 a year after tax has gone.
• All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 get a free meal anyway through Universal Infant Free School Meals, whatever your income.
• Children can also qualify if their parent gets the guarantee part of Pension Credit, income-related ESA, or certain asylum support.
• It covers school-based nurseries and further education settings too, where free meals are currently provided.

Good things to know:

• You still need to apply (usually through your local council or school), so please don't assume it's automatic. You'll normally need your National Insurance number and Universal Credit details.
• If you're already getting free meals, your eligibility is being rechecked. The old protection that let you keep them if your income went up has ended, so keep your details up to date and reapply if you're asked to.
• Some councils are very busy with applications at the moment, so apply as early as you can.
• Free meals can unlock other help too, like Pupil Premium funding for the school (that one's still based on the old lower income test) and holiday activity programmes in some areas.
• Free school meals and free school transport are separate schemes, so being eligible for one doesn't automatically mean the other.
• You can usually get a free school meal during the holidays only if your local area runs a holiday food scheme, so it's worth asking your council.

Where to start: search for "free school meals" plus your council's name, or ask your child's school office. They're usually happy to point you in the right direction.

This guide is for England. Scotland and Wales each have their own rules (both offer free meals to all primary-age children, though the details differ), and Northern Ireland has its own scheme too. Always double-check with your local council.

If you've applied recently, please tell us how it went on the forum so other parents know what to expect.