Free school meals are changing – here’s what you need to know
08/07/2026
What’s changing?
From the start of the 2026/27 school year, the rules for free school meals are changing. Free school meals will be available to all children from households receiving Universal Credit, no matter how much the household earns.
Why are the rules changing?
The Government has announced these changes to help more families access nutritious meals during the school day and reduce financial pressure on households receiving Universal Credit.
Who qualifies for free school meals?
Free school meals are available if a household gets one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Some households may also qualify if they:
- Get income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receive Guarantee Pension Credit
- Don’t have access to public funds
Get the full eligibility list here
To qualify, two things need to happen:
- You need to make a claim.
- The school or local authority needs to confirm you are eligible.
How will this change affect me?
There will be two types of benefits-based free school meals:
- Targeted free school meals – this stays the same as now for households on Universal Credit earning £7,400 or less a year.
- Expanded free school meals – a new group for families on Universal Credit who earn above £7,400 a year.
These categories don’t affect children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, who are entitled to Universal Infant Free School Meals, regardless of household income.
Does this affect my eligibility for Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes?
Children who qualify for Targeted free school meals will also be able to access Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes. Those receiving Expanded free school meals will not be eligible for HAF.
Depending on where you live, you can find out more about this on our dedicated Help in the Holidays webpage by clicking below.
Got questions and need support?
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Contact our Money Advice Team by filling out this form, or call our Hub team on 0345 60 20 540. Our friendly money advisors are here to offer you free and confidential advice.
