Free school meals

All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at state schools in England automatically get free school meals. However, parents and guardians are encouraged to apply for free school meals when they enroll their child in school, as this can help their child’s school to attract additional ‘New starter pupil premium – Education and Families‘ funding to support learning.

From year 3 onwards, children whose parents are getting any of the following are entitled to free school meals:

    • Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).

    • Income Support (IS).

    • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA).

    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (IRESA).

    • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.

    • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

    • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income that does not exceed £16,190).

    • Working Tax Credit run-on  (the payment you get for a further 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).

School children living on their own (16-19 year olds) who receive a qualifying benefit in their own right can also get free school meals.

How to apply

Apply through the Citizen Portal - Sign in. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision. Alternatively, call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019.

 School meals – Education and Families

12th February 2025