Free School Meals

Overview

Free School Meals provide a midday meal at state-funded schools at no cost to the family, for children whose families meet specific qualifying criteria. Rules vary by UK nation. In England, eligibility typically follows receipt of Universal Credit with household earnings below a set annual net threshold, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit on a low income, Guarantee Pension Credit, or the Immigration and Asylum Act support arrangements, with transitional protection extended to families who stop meeting the criteria during the rollout of Universal Credit. In Scotland, all pupils in primary school year groups P1 to P5 automatically receive free school meals, with older pupils qualifying on the same broad benefit-related basis (including a separate Universal Credit earnings threshold). In Wales, Universal Primary Free School Meals has been rolled out for all primary pupils, with secondary-age eligibility following low-income criteria. Northern Ireland applies its own income thresholds. Applications are generally made to the local council (or directly to the school in some areas). Eligibility and application routes are determined locally within the relevant national framework. This page references criteria from the primary GOV.UK, mygov.scot, and GOV.WALES sources; the authoritative source for any individual claim is your local authority or, in Northern Ireland, the Education Authority.

Applies in UK-wide. Administered by Council. This page is general information; contact Council for your individual circumstances.

Eligibility criteria include

• INCOME
  In England: Child Tax Credit qualifies only if you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190. ^[GOV.UK]
• INCOME
  In England: Universal Credit qualifies if applied on or after 1 April 2018 and household income is less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits received). ^[GOV.UK]
• HOUSEHOLD
  In England: Working Tax Credit run-on is paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit. ^[GOV.UK]
• AGE
  In England: A child younger than compulsory school age who is in full-time education may also qualify if a parent receives qualifying benefits. ^[GOV.UK]
• HOUSEHOLD
  In England (Infant free school meals): All children in reception class, year 1, or year 2 at a government-funded school can get free school meals. ^[GOV.UK]
• OTHER
  In Scotland (Primary 1–5): All children in primary 1 to 5 at council-run or Scottish Government-funded schools can get free school lunches during term-time regardless of financial circumstances. ^[GOV.UK]
• INCOME
  In Scotland (Primary 6 and 7 / Secondary): Universal Credit qualifies where monthly earned income is not more than £995. ^[GOV.UK]
• AGE
  In Scotland: 16–18 year olds who receive qualifying benefits in their own right can claim free school meals. ^[GOV.UK]
• INCOME
  In Wales: Universal Credit qualifies if household earnings are less than £7,400 a year after tax, not including income from benefits. ^[GOV.UK]
• RESIDENCE
  In Wales: The local authority where the learner goes to school (not where they live) is responsible for providing the free school meal and assessing eligibility. ^[GOV.UK]
• OTHER
  In England: Children who get qualifying benefits paid directly to them (rather than through a parent or guardian) can also get free school meals. ^[GOV.UK]
• IMMIGRATION
  In England: If you do not qualify for most benefits (no recourse to public funds), your child may still be eligible for free school meals — ask their school or local authority. ^[GOV.UK]
• DISABILITY
  In Scotland (Special schools): Children who attend a special school run by a local council or Scottish Government-funded can get free school lunches during term-time regardless of age or financial circumstances. ^[GOV.UK]
• IMMIGRATION
  In Scotland: Children whose immigration status prevents access to government help may still get a free lunch if experiencing financial hardship. ^[GOV.UK]
• HOUSING STATUS
  In Wales: Foster parents are permitted to claim free school meals on behalf of eligible children. ^[GOV.UK]

Sources