Free school meals and family support

What you need to know

1. Apply through your council. Use the GOV.UK postcode service to reach the correct local-authority form. The school or council verifies the claim.
2. Infant meals are automatic, registration is still useful. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils in state-funded schools get a free meal. Tell the council if you also receive a qualifying benefit so the school can receive the right funding and you can access linked support.
3. The rules changed in September 2026. All children in households receiving Universal Credit qualify for a free school meal. Some linked help, including targeted HAF places and pupil-premium funding, still uses the narrower targeted category, so complete the eligibility check.
4. No recourse to public funds does not always mean no help. A child may still qualify under separate rules. Ask the school or local authority rather than assuming you cannot apply.

What to do now

Check even if you are unsure

The council decides eligibility; applying does not affect other benefits.

Ask about HAF

Eligible families can receive free holiday activities, food and childcare during major school holidays.

Tell the school privately

The office or family-support worker can explain breakfast clubs, uniform help and local hardship support.

Recheck each school year

Tell the school or council when benefits or household circumstances change.

Questions parents ask

My child is in Reception. Do I need to apply?

They already receive an infant meal, but you should still complete the benefits check if you may qualify. It can unlock linked support and funding.

Does the school know our benefit details?

The eligibility service normally returns a result; ask your council's form what information it uses and shares.

We receive Universal Credit. Are we eligible?

From the 2026–27 academic year, children in Universal Credit households qualify for a free meal. Complete the local check because linked schemes may use a narrower category.