School Dinners
Free School Meals
From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of earnings.
There are two types of eligibility for free school meals:
- Targeted - for households in receipt of Universal Credit earning £7,400 or less. Children eligible receive free meals and other educational entitlements such as the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
- Expanded - for households in receipt of Universal Credit earning above £7,400. Children eligible receive free meals.
Families with no recourse to public funds may also be eligible for Targeted free school meals subject to meeting separate criteria.
To apply for free school meals you can complete the online application form or call 03845 603 2200.