Free school meals
Schools must provide some pupils with a free midday meal. This page explains who qualifies for this and how to apply.
Free school meals
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. However, this doesn't in itself mean your family will be entitled to free school meals and the extra support provided with this.
For your child to qualify for free school meals, you must get one of the following benefits:
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Universal Credit and your household income after tax is less than £7,400 per year (not including any benefits you get)
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Child Tax Credit, as long as you are not getting Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of less than £16,190
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The guarantee part of Pension Credit
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Asylum seeker support.
Children aged between 16 and 18 who are getting Universal Credit in their own name can also 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
Families who were already getting free school meals on 31 March 2019 can carry on getting them until 31 December 2023, 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.
Wales
Can my child get free school meals?
For your child to qualify for free school meals, you must get one of the following benefits:
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Universal Credit and your household income after tax is less than £7,400 per year (not including any benefits you get)
-
Child Tax Credit, as long as you are not getting Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of less than £16,190
-
The guarantee part of Pension Credit
-
Asylum seeker support.
Children aged between 16 and 18 who are getting Universal Credit in their own name can also get free school meals.
Families who are already getting free school meals can carry on getting them until 31 December 2023, even if the household's income changes.
From September 2022, the Welsh Government will begin introducing universal free school meals to all children in primary school.
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?
For your child to qualify for free school meals, you must get one of the following benefits:
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Universal Credit, and your monthly earnings are £625 or less
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Child Tax Credits without Working Tax Credits, as long as your income is less than £16,105 per year
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Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits, and your income is less than £7,500 per year
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Asylum seeker support
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:
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Looked after (or in care)
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Subject to a kinship care order
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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 are able to provide free school meals for children whose families have made a new claims for Universal Credit and haven't had their first payment yet. 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.
Scottish Child Bridging Payment
The Scottish Child Bridging Payment is a temporary benefit for families receiving free school meals in Scotland in 2021 and 2022.
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:
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Universal Credit, and your household earns less than £14,000 per year
-
Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, and your household earns less than £16,190 per year
-
The guarantee part of Pension Credit
-
Asylum seeker support.
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?
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.
Updated: April 2022