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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.

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

England

Can my child get free school meals?

All children in reception or Years 1 or 2 are entitled to free lunches. From the beginning of the 2026/27 school year, all children living in a household receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school lunches.

For children in Year 3 or 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.

Families who were already getting free school meals on 1 April 2018 can carry on getting them until the end of the 2025/26 school year, even if the household's income changes. 

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

From 19 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?

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.

How do I apply for free school meals?

You need to get in touch with your local council to apply for free school meals. They may have their own application forms for you to fill in.

Wales

Can my child get free school meals?

 All children in primary school in Wales are eligible for Universal Free School Meals.

For your child to qualify for free school meals in secondary school, 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.

Families who were already getting free school meals on 31 December 2023, or became entitled to free school meals through Universal Credit after 2023 will carry on getting free school meals until the end of the 2025/26 school year, even if the household’s income changes.

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.

How do I apply for free school meals?

You need to get in touch with your local council to apply for free school meals. They may have their own application forms for you to fill in.

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.

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 £850 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 £15,000 per year.

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

The Education Authority works out whether 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