Changes happening to Free School Meals
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit attending school will be entitled to receive a free meal.
The new eligibility will take effect in September 2026. Families receiving Universal Credit will be able to access free school meals starting from the 2026/27 school year. This will give schools time to prepare for the increased number of meals they’ll need to provide.
On average, free school meals can save around £495 per year, per child on school lunches
Going forward, there will be 2 categories of benefits-based free school meals:
- Targeted free school meals, which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less (excluding tax and benefits)
- Expanded free school meals, a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit
Going forward, free school meal eligibility should be monitored by schools and local authorities on an ongoing basis, through annual rechecks.
Rechecks should confirm that pupils in receipt of free school meals continue to meet the eligibility criteria set out in this guidance, and the category of eligibility they fall under (either targeted or expanded).
Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:
- a claim for this support has been made
- their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
- are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- meet set criteria if no recourse to public funds
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less will be eligible for targeted free school meals. In addition to receiving free meals, pupils eligible for targeted free school meals will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools.
Children eligible for expanded will only receive the school meals.
Transitional Protection Ending
Since 1 April 2018, all existing free school meals claimants have continued to receive free school meals while Universal Credit is rolled out. This applies regardless of any change in household circumstances, including if their earnings rise above the threshold during that time. Protections remain in place until the end of the 2025 to 2026 academic year.
Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 will continue to be entitled to free meals, regardless of the earnings or benefit status of their households.
How do I apply for free school meals?
Many families will become eligible for the first time under the expanded free school meals criteria.
It is expected that the majority of schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year 2026, by providing their National Insurance Number to check their eligibility.
It’s important to note that while eligibility will be automatically granted to all Universal Credit recipients, families will still need to apply to receive the benefit.
Making adjustments to access free school meals
Schools are required to make such adjustments as are reasonable to enable such pupils to access their free school meal entitlement.
Schools should work with the pupil, their family and any other professionals involved to agree the necessary support.
Beyond the financial benefits, this programme ensures children receive nutritious meals during school hours, which supports their learning and concentration in the classroom, physical health and development and overall wellbeing. The government is also acting quickly to revise the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with the latest nutrition guidance.
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF)
Currently those on free school meals are eligible for support with food and activities during school holiday periods.
The HAF programme is a direct response to this, providing free nutritious meals, enriching activities and safe environments for eligible children, benefiting their health, wellbeing and learning.
Whilst this will continue in the new academic year, it will only apply to those in the targeted group, not to those who are receiving UC and in the expanded group.
Useful Links:
Expanding free school meals: what parents need to know – The Education Hub
Holiday activities and food programme 2026 to 2027 financial year – GOV.UK
