Free school meals eligibility
Elibibility for free school meals has changed.
Universal infant free school meals
All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 are entitled to a free school meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meal scheme regardless of household income. You do not need to apply for this, however if you receive any of the qualifying benefits listed below you should still complete an application for free school meals as your child’s school may receive extra funding. (pupil premium)
In addition to universal free school meals, from September 2026 all children from households in receipt of Universal Credits, regardless of earnings, will be eligible for a free school meal.
There are now two categories of free school meals which are known as Targeted and Expanded free school meals.
Targeted free school meals
Children eligible for targeted free school meals receive a free school meal and the school also receive additional funding from the government called Pupil Premium.
Your child will be eligible for targeted free school meals if you receive:
- Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Your child may be eligible for targeted free school meals if your household is in receipt of
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guarantee element of Pension Credit
Expanded free school meals
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400 will be entitled to expanded free school meals. This means your child receives a free school meal, but the school do not receive additional funding (pupil premium)
An application form must be completed
A child is only eligible to receive targeted or expanded free school meals where both:
- a claim for this support has been made
- their eligibility has been verified using the department for education checking service
We will award free school meals from the date we receive your application, once eligibility has been confirmed. Free school meals cannot be backdated so it is important to apply as soon as possible.
You can find more information about free school meals at: Free school meals | GOV.UK