Automatic enrolment for free school meals is coming to Cornwall

Starting in September 2026, families in Cornwall who are eligible for free school meals will no longer need to apply, they’ll be enrolled automatically.

The new system was approved by the council this week and aims to ensure that no child misses out on the support they deserve.

Why is this happening?

According to a recent report by Cornwall’s director of public health:

• over 27,000 children and young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are growing up in relative poverty
• an estimated 1,800 children who should be receiving free school meals are currently missing out

Automatic enrolment will help make sure these children get the support they’re entitled to.

Who will benefit?

From September 2026, every pupil whose parents receive universal credit will be entitled to free school meals.

Currently, only children in households earning less than £7,400 a year (after tax and excluding benefits) qualify.

This expansion means:

• an extra 500,000 children across England will receive free meals
• it could help lift 100,000 children out of poverty.
• is likely to lead to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes

How can you get free school meals now?

Your child might be eligible if you receive one of the following:

• income support
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• income-related employment and support allowance
• support under part VI of the immigration and asylum act 1999
• the guaranteed element of pension credit
• child tax credit (provided you’re not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• working tax credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
• universal credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018, your household income must  be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

How to apply

If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, contact your local council.

Most applications can be made online via your council’s website.

Visit www.gov.uk to find your local authority and apply.