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Free school meals

Schools must provide some pupils with a free midday meal. This page explains who qualifies for this and how to apply.

Children queuing up for school meals in a canteen

There are different schemes for free school meals in different parts of the UK

England

Can my child get free school meals?

If you get benefits 

From the start of the 2026/27 school year, all children living in a household receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school lunches. It doesn't matter what your household earnings are.

If your child is in reception, Year 1 or Year 2

All children in reception or Years 1 or 2 are entitled to free lunches.

If your child is in Year 3 or above 

Children in Year 3 or above can also qualify for free school meals if you get the guarantee element of Pension Credit, or Asylum Support.

Children aged between 16 and 18 who are getting Universal Credit in their own name can also get free school meals.

If you live in London

All children in primary school in London are eligible for free school meals.

I have No Recourse to Public Funds. Can I get free school meals?

Since April 2022, children whose families have No Recourse to Public Funds can get free school meals if their annual household income is:

  • Less than £22,700 for families outside London with one child
  • Less than £31,200 for families in London with one child
  • Less than £26,300 for families outside London with two or more children
  • Less than £34,800 for families in London with two or more children

I just lost my job and claimed Universal Credit. Will I be able to claim free school meals?

From the start of the 2026/27 school year, all families getting Universal Credit can get free school meals. It doesn't matter how much your income is. 

How do I apply for free school meals?

You need to contact your local council to apply for free school meals. They may have their own application forms for you to complete.

Wales

Can my child get free school meals?

All children in primary school in Wales are eligible for Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM).

If you get benefits 

Children in Years 7 and 8 who live in a household getting Universal Credit can get free school meals. It doesn't matter how much your income is.

For children in Year 9 and above to qualify for free school meals, you must get one of the following benefits:

Children aged between 16 and 18 who are getting Universal Credit in their own name can also get free school meals.

I just lost my job and claimed Universal Credit. Will I be able to claim free school meals?

Most councils work out whether you can get free school meals based on your earnings in your previous assessment period for Universal Credit. This can mean that councils aren't able to process your claim for free school meals until after you have received your first Universal Credit payment.

If your child is in Years 7 or 8 there is no earnings threshold, you only have to be getting Universal Credit to qualify.

How do I apply for free school meals?

You need to contact your local council to apply for free school meals. They may have their own application forms for you to complete.

Scotland

Can my child get free school meals?

All children in primary 1 to 5 who attend a school funded by the Scottish Government or run by a local authority will get free school lunches.

If you get benefits 

For your child to qualify for free school meals in primary 6 and 7, you must get one of the following benefits:

For secondary school pupils the rules are the same as above, excluding Scottish Child Payment.

I'm not getting benefits. Can I still claim free school meals?

Local authorities have the power to grant discretionary free school meals to pupils if they do not meet the eligibility criteria. For example, if a family income is only slightly over the threshold for entitlement, if there is an unplanned loss of income, or if there has been a negative life event. Contact your council to find out more.

If you are experiencing hardship but your immigration status means you cannot get benefits, you might be able to get free school meals. Contact your council to find out more.

Your child can also get free school meals if, at any point after the age of two, they were:

  • Looked after (or in care)
  • Subject to a kinship care order
  • Subject to a guardianship order.

Children aged between 16 and 18 who are getting Universal Credit in their own name can also get free school meals.

I just lost my job and claimed Universal Credit. Will I be able to claim free school meals?

Some councils can provide free school meals for children whose families have made a new claim for Universal Credit and haven't had their first payment yet. You must not have earned more than £995 in the Universal Credit assessment period before your application. Check your council's website for their claims process.

How do I apply for free school meals?

You will need to apply to your council for free school meals. Your council might need you to fill out an application form.

Northern Ireland

Can my child get free school meals?

For your child to qualify for free school meals, you must get one of the following benefits:

Children aged between 16 and 18 who are getting Universal Credit in their own name can also get free school meals if they do not earn more than £15,900 per year.

I just lost my job and claimed Universal Credit. Will I be able to claim free school meals?

The Education Authority decides if you can get free school meals based on your earnings in your previous assessment period for Universal Credit. This can mean that they aren't able to process your claim for free school meals until after you have received your first Universal Credit payment.

How do I apply for free school meals?

The application form to apply for free school meals is available on the Northern Ireland Education Authority website

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