The free school meals program is undergoing a significant change by expanding the eligibility requirements to support over 500,000 children, particularly impacting families receiving Universal Credit in England.
Families on Universal Credit are set to benefit from potential yearly savings of up to £500 as all households on Universal Credit will now qualify for free school meals. This adjustment will come into effect at the beginning of the next academic year in September 2026.
Currently, in England, all children receive free school meals until the end of Year 2. After this stage, eligibility is based on the family’s income being below £7,400 annually after benefits.
Earlier in the year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that starting September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school lunches. The government’s goal is to expand the eligibility criteria to provide more free school meals to disadvantaged students in maintained schools, academies, and free schools nationwide.
This modification means an additional 500,000 children will now meet the criteria for free meals. Children currently benefiting from free school meals will retain their eligibility until the conclusion of the 2025/2026 academic year.
Applications for free school meals must be made on behalf of the student, with eligibility confirmation carried out by either the school or local council. Detailed guidance will be provided prior to the policy changes taking effect in September.
Presently, pupils and families receiving specific benefits and earning less than £7,400 outside of these payments qualify for free meals. For families on Universal Credit, those with monthly net earnings below £616.67 in the latest assessment period automatically qualify without further verification.
In cases where earnings exceed this threshold in the most recent assessment period, net income will be assessed over the two latest periods to ensure it does not exceed £1,233.34, making them eligible for free school meals without additional verification.
Additionally, local councils have provisions to support children and youth where in-school assistance may not be suitable. This support is typically included in the child’s education, health, and care plan, with adjustments made for children with disabilities such as autism to accommodate specific dietary needs.
Local authorities can offer various support measures, including providing food vouchers to parents, enabling them to prepare tailored packed lunches for their child’s unique requirements.
