Free school meals are changing: could your child now qualify?

If you receive universal credit and have kids at school, there's good news.

From 1 September 2026, every child in England whose parent or guardian receives universal credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of household income.

The change is expected to help hundreds of thousands more children access free lunches at school.

Previously, you could only claim free school meals if you received universal credit and earned less than £7,400 a year after tax (not including benefits).

That income limit is being removed, meaning many more families will qualify.

You might already qualify and not realise it

Families are being urged to check whether they're eligible ahead of the rule change.

Research from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) found 55% of parents whose children will become newly eligible don't know they qualify for free school meals.

If you receive universal credit, check now so you don't miss out on support your family could be entitled to.

Who can claim free school meals?

As well as universal credit, your child could get free school meals if you get benefits including:

• income-related employment and support allowance
• support under part VI of the immigration and asylum act 1999
• the guaranteed element of pension credit

 If you're unsure whether you qualify, check with your local council.

Extra support during school holidays

If your child receives benefits-related free school meals, you may also be able to get help during the school holidays.

Many councils offer holiday food vouchers and other support schemes to help families with the extra cost of food when schools are closed.

Does your child get free meals automatically because of their age?

In some cases, yes. If your child is in reception, year 1 or year 2 in England, they automatically receive universal infant free school meals.

This means all children in these year groups can get free school lunches regardless of your income or benefits.

But, if you receive benefits, it's still worth applying for benefits-related free school meals because your child's school could receive additional funding and you may qualify for other support.

What are the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Free school meal rules vary depending on where you live.

Scotland

All children in primary 1 to primary 5 and pupils attending council-run special education schools receive universal free school meals.

Wales

All children in primary school are entitled to universal free school meals.

Northern Ireland

There is currently no universal free school meal scheme.

But, your child may qualify if you receive universal credit and your net household earnings are £15,900 a year or less.

How do you apply for free school meals?

One misconception is that free school meals are awarded automatically.

They aren't. You usually need to apply.

If you think your child may be eligible, contact your local council as soon as possible.

In most areas, you can apply online through your local authority's website.

You can find your local council through GOV.UK.

If you need help with an application, you can also speak to your child's school or contact Citizens Advice.

Could you be missing out on other benefits too?

If you're eligible for free school meals, there's a chance you could also qualify for other financial support.

Many families miss out on benefits, grants and cost-of-living help simply because they don't realise they're entitled to them.

It's worth checking what support is available to you, especially if your household budget is under pressure.

Get in touch to see what benefits you’re entitled to or try out our benefits calculator.