Free meals for younger children
All children in reception, year 1, and year 2 at government-funded infant and primary schools get free lunches.
Even if your child gets free meals because they're in reception, year 1, or year 2, you should still apply if you get benefits. This helps the school get more funding.
Free meals for older children (year 3 and above)
Your child may get free school meals if you get one of these:
- Universal Credit (if you applied on or after 1 April 2018 and your income is less than £7,400 a year after tax)
- Pension Credit (guarantee credit)
- help under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- children in families with no recourse to public funds also qualify
How to apply
Apply for free school meals
You'll get a quick result, and the school will be told.
You'll need:
- your National Insurance Number or Asylum Support Number
- your last name
- your date of birth
- proof of benefit entitlement (not always necessary)
Changes from September 2026
If your child got free meals on or after 1 April 2018, they will keep getting them until 1 September 2026, even if your income changes.
From 1 September 2026, all families on Universal Credit will get free school meals, no matter how much they earn.
Help
To get help with free school meals:
Pupil Premium Funding
Pupil Premium is extra money for schools to help children who need more support.
Schools get it based on how many children are eligible for free school meals.
School leaders decide how to use the money to help pupils.