Thousands of families claiming Universal Credit will see their entitlement to free school meals change from September 2026, as the government confirms a major expansion of the scheme. The Department for Education has announced that the previous household income cap will be lifted, meaning a significantly larger number of children from low-income families will qualify for free lunches during the school day.
The move, already confirmed under the previous Labour leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, will now be delivered during Andy Burnham's tenure as Prime Minister, taking effect in his second full month in office. It will see more children than ever before eligible for free school meals, with some families set to save as much as £495 per child each year.
Understanding Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a single means-tested benefit for people of working age, introduced to replace six existing benefits, including income-based jobseeker's allowance, income support, and housing benefit. It is paid monthly to eligible claimants, with deductions for income and savings. The system is designed to provide a safety net for those who are unemployed, on low income, or unable to work due to health conditions.
Many families who receive Universal Credit have been excluded from free school meal eligibility in the past because their earnings, after tax and National Insurance, exceeded the qualifying limit. The new policy removes that barrier for families on the benefit, simplifying the process and ensuring that support is targeted at those who need it most.
A response to the cost-of-living crisis
The policy is designed to ease the financial pressure faced by working-age families on Universal Credit, many of whom have struggled with rising food and energy costs. By removing the earnings cap for families in receipt of the benefit, the government aims to ensure that no child goes hungry during the school day, while also helping parents to make ends meet.
Under the previous rules, a family's income had to fall below a certain threshold to qualify for free school meals beyond the early years of primary school. That cap has now been removed, allowing thousands more pupils to register. The change is being described by officials as a step towards the Labour government's commitment to tackling child poverty and improving educational equality.
Existing recipients do not need to reapply
Lancashire County Council, which has been one of the first authorities to communicate the changes, has reassured families that many will not need to take any action. In a statement, the council said: "Although there have been changes, parents and carers who have already applied for a child in Key Stage 1, or whose child currently receives free school meals and where their circumstances have not changed, do not need to reapply and they will be contacted to confirm their eligibility before the start of next term."
The council added that applications are dealt with in complete confidence, and that submitting a claim does not affect a family's existing benefits or the right of a child to opt out of school meals if they prefer alternative arrangements.
How will families know if they qualify?
The Department for Education is expected to provide updated guidance to schools and local authorities in the lead-up to September. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to check their eligibility through their child's school or via their local council's website. Schools will be responsible for processing new applications and confirming eligibility before the autumn term begins.
Some families who were previously turned down because their income was slightly above the old threshold may now find that they qualify. Others may be automatically identified through data sharing between the Department for Work and Pensions and local education authorities. The exact number of newly eligible children has not yet been published, but it is expected to be significant.
A broader benefit for schools
Beyond the immediate advantage of a free hot meal, registering for free school meals can unlock additional support for children and schools. Schools are able to claim pupil premium funding for every eligible child, which can be used to provide extra teaching, resources, or pastoral support. The scheme also helps schools identify pupils who may need help with the cost of educational activities and trips.
County Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills at Lancashire County Council, described the expansion as "welcome news" for families. He said: "This is welcome news for families across Lancashire and feeds into the significant work taking place to improve outcomes for children and young people in our schools. No child should go hungry, and we know that ensuring pupils have had a good meal and are ready to learn is key to supporting educational achievement."
Salter continued: "Against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, we know that parents and carers will welcome this support and we encourage families to check their eligibility. Registration can also unlock additional support for children and schools. We want to ensure every child in Lancashire has the opportunity to thrive and achieve throughout their educational journey, and this expansion will help us to support more families."
What happens next
Schools and academies across England are now preparing to implement the new rules. The Department for Education will issue administrative guidance for the 2026/27 academic year, and local authorities will update their application systems. Families who are currently receiving Universal Credit but do not yet claim free school meals should consider submitting an application as soon as possible to avoid delays at the start of term.
The change comes at a time when many households continue to feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. For parents with two children at school, the savings could amount to nearly £1,000 a year, making a substantial difference to household budgets. Schools will be working hard to ensure that every eligible child is registered before the new term starts.
