Applications for free school meals can be made from 1st June 2026 for the start of the autumn term, ahead of an expansion of eligibility in England from September 20261.
Under the expanded rules, a child qualifies if their household receives Universal Credit, regardless of earnings or the amount of Universal Credit awarded1. It is estimated that around 500,000 additional children will become eligible1.
The expansion covers free school meals only. It does not extend to entitlements linked to targeted free school meals, such as school clothing and uniform grants, holiday activities and food provision, school travel assistance and other discretionary support1. Those linked entitlements continue to be based on the £7,400 earnings threshold, and a household on Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less qualifies for targeted free school meals and the linked entitlements1.
"From the 2026/27 school year, eligibility for free school meals is checked every year, ahead of the October school census."
The check result is valid for the full academic year1. A household that becomes eligible for Universal Credit during the school year can claim at that point and remains eligible for the remainder of the year1. Some local authorities automatically re-enrol a child; where an area does not do this, a claim must be made again each year1.
Free school meals are administered by local authorities but normally claimed through the child's school, using a form from the school's website or a paper copy from the school office1.
The expansion described applies to England only1. From September 2026, Wales is also expanding free school meals: secondary school pupils in years 7 and 8 qualify if their household receives Universal Credit, regardless of household income, with older year groups expected to follow in later phases1. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own schemes with different eligibility rules1.
| Nation | Change reported |
|---|---|
| England | Expansion from September 2026; Universal Credit households qualify regardless of earnings1 |
| Wales | Expansion from September 2026; years 7 and 8 qualify where the household receives Universal Credit, regardless of household income1 |
| Scotland | Own scheme with different eligibility rules1 |
| Northern Ireland | Own scheme with different eligibility rules1 |
Why it matters for households
For families on Universal Credit in England, the earnings test that currently limits free school meals falls away from September 2026, so a child's eligibility no longer depends on how much the household earns or how much Universal Credit is paid1. The change applies to meals only: the separate support tied to targeted free school meals, including uniform grants, holiday food provision and school travel assistance, stays linked to the £7,400 threshold1.
The annual check ahead of the October census means eligibility is reviewed each year from 2026/27, with the result valid for the full academic year1. Where a local authority does not re-enrol automatically, a fresh claim is needed each year1. Applications for the autumn term open on 1st June 20261.
What happens next
Applications can be submitted from 1st June 2026 for the start of the autumn term1. The expanded rules take effect from September 2026 in England, and in Wales for years 7 and 8, with older year groups in Wales expected to follow in later phases1. The first annual eligibility check under the new system takes place ahead of the October school census in the 2026/27 school year1.
More on benefits and on Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods.
Sources1 cited
- Expanded free school meals - Entitledto entitledto.co.uk
Turn2usFree benefits calculator and grants search from a charity
Citizens AdviceFree advice on money, consumer and legal problems in England and Wales
GOV.UKOfficial information on tax, benefits and government services
MoneyHelperFree, impartial money and pensions guidance, set up by government