From the 2026/27 school year, all children in England from Universal Credit households qualify for free school meals, regardless of earnings. This expansion makes around 500,000 additional children newly eligible. The Department for Education now distinguishes between targeted and expanded free school meals, with targeted meals attracting pupil premium funding.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 20 AUGUST 2026
- All Universal Credit households in England qualify for free school meals from 2026/27.
- Around 500,000 additional children become eligible.
- Targeted free school meals apply to earnings up to 7,400 pounds and attract pupil premium.
- Infants in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 already get free meals automatically.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate systems.
KEY FACTS
- 500,000 additional children become eligible from 2026/27.
- 7,400 pounds annual earnings threshold for targeted free school meals.
- 16,190 pounds income limit for Child Tax Credit qualification.
- Universal Infant Free School Meals cover Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.
- 2026/27 school year marks the start of the expansion.
What changed from September 2026
From the 2026/27 school year, every child in England living in a household that receives Universal Credit qualifies for free school meals, regardless of how much the household earns. The change is expected to make around 500,000 additional children newly eligible, with the biggest impact felt by pupils in Year 3 and above who were previously above the old earnings threshold.
The expansion removes the previous earnings cap that restricted free school meals to Universal Credit households with annual income of 7,400 pounds or less. Now, all children in Universal Credit households qualify, no matter the level of household earnings. This means families who were previously turned away because their income exceeded the threshold can now claim a free meal for their child.
The change is most significant for pupils in Year 3 and above, as children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 already received meals automatically under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. For older pupils, the new entitlement ends the situation where a family on Universal Credit with earnings just above the old limit had to pay for school meals.
The Department for Education has confirmed that the expansion applies to all state-funded schools in England, including academies and free schools. Parents do not need to reapply if their child was already receiving free school meals under the previous rules; the new entitlement is automatic for all Universal Credit households.
Targeted versus expanded free school meals
The Department for Education now operates two categories: targeted free school meals and expanded free school meals. Both entitle a child to a free meal, but the distinction matters for school funding, as only targeted free school meals attract pupil premium payments.
Targeted free school meals apply where a household receives Universal Credit with annual earnings of 7,400 pounds or less. This category is unchanged from the previous system and continues to attract pupil premium funding for schools. Pupil premium is additional money paid to schools to support disadvantaged pupils, and it is calculated based on the number of children registered for targeted free school meals.
Expanded free school meals is the new category for Universal Credit households whose earnings are above the 7,400 pounds threshold. Children in this category receive the same free meal as those in the targeted category, but their registration does not generate pupil premium funding for the school. The meal itself is identical; the difference is purely in how the school is funded.
Schools are expected to record which category each child falls into, as this affects their funding calculations. Parents do not need to choose a category; the correct one is determined automatically based on the household's benefit and earnings data.
Infants and other qualifying benefits
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in England already receive free school meals automatically under Universal Infant Free School Meals, regardless of household income. In addition, certain legacy benefits and Child Tax Credit can still qualify a child, with specific income limits.
Universal Infant Free School Meals covers all pupils in the first three years of primary school, so no claim is needed for these children. However, parents are still encouraged to register for free school meals even if their child is an infant, because registration can unlock pupil premium funding for the school.
Beyond Universal Credit, some other benefits still qualify a child for free school meals. These include certain legacy benefits, such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and income-related Employment and Support Allowance. Child Tax Credit also qualifies a child where the household's annual income does not exceed 16,190 pounds and Working Tax Credit is not also received.
Existing claimants who were receiving free school meals under transitional protection continued to do so until the new entitlement came into effect. With the expansion, transitional protection ends because all Universal Credit households now qualify regardless of earnings.
How to claim, and the rest of the UK
To claim free school meals in England, apply through your local council or your child's school. Eligibility is checked against benefit records, and it is worth claiming even where infants already get a meal because it can unlock pupil premium funding. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run separate systems with their own thresholds.
The application process is straightforward. Parents can apply online through their local council's website or by contacting the school directly. The council or school checks eligibility against Department for Work and Pensions records, so no paper proof of income is usually required. Once approved, the free meal entitlement continues until the child leaves school or the household's circumstances change.
Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a free meal under Universal Infant Free School Meals, you should still register for free school meals. Registration ensures the school receives pupil premium funding, which is used to support educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils.
The rules described here apply to England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own free school meal systems with different eligibility criteria and income thresholds. Families in those nations should check with their local authority or devolved government for the current rules in their area.
RELATED GUIDES
DISCLAIMER
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Figures are accurate as at publication and can change. Check the primary source or a qualified professional before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for free school meals in England from 2026?
From the 2026/27 school year, all children in England from households receiving Universal Credit qualify, regardless of household earnings. This includes around 500,000 additional children.
What is the 7,400 pounds threshold now for?
The 7,400 pounds annual earnings threshold defines targeted free school meals, which attract pupil premium funding for schools. Households above this threshold on Universal Credit receive expanded free school meals instead.
Do infants need to apply?
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 already receive free school meals automatically under Universal Infant Free School Meals, regardless of income. However, claiming can still unlock pupil premium funding for the school.
Are free school meals the same across the UK?
No. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own free school meal systems with different rules and thresholds.
How do I apply for free school meals?
Apply through your local council or your child's school, which checks eligibility against benefit records.
SOURCES
- GOV.UK: apply for free school meals – accessed 2026-08-20
- GOV.UK: free school meals guidance (2026 expansion) – accessed 2026-08-20
