Free School Meal Guidance from September 2026:
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive any of the following benefits. Information taken from gov.uk.
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit - if you applied on or after 1 April 2018, your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you receive)
Children who receive these benefits directly, rather than through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.
Your child may also be eligible if you receive any of the above benefits and your child is both:
- younger than the compulsory age for starting school, and
- in full-time education
If you do not qualify for most benefits (also known as having ‘no recourse to public funds’), your child may still be eligible. Ask their school or local authority whether they qualify or see guidance for families with no recourse to public funds for more information.
For full details, please refer to the Free school meals: guidance for schools and local authorities
Please contact your child’s school directly for information on how to check your eligibility.