Starting in September 2026, every household in England receiving Universal Credit will become eligible for free school meals for their children, a change that could save families up to £495 per child each year. The expansion, confirmed by the Department for Education (DfE), removes the previous income cap of £7,400 a year, meaning all Universal Credit recipients—regardless of earnings—will qualify.
What the change means for families
Under the current rules, parents or carers claiming Universal Credit must earn less than £7,400 annually to access free school meals. The new criteria, first announced by the previous government, will extend eligibility to all households receiving the benefit. The DfE stated: "Over half a million additional pupils will become eligible for Free School Meals under the new eligibility criteria."
The change will take effect from the 2026/27 school year, with applications opening before the start of term. Families will need to apply formally, even though eligibility is automatic, by providing their National Insurance number to verify their status.
Financial impact and wider benefits
The DfE highlighted the financial relief this brings: "This expansion will provide significant financial relief for families. If your household receives Universal Credit, you could save up to £495 per year per child on school lunches." For households with multiple children, the cumulative savings could be substantial, easing pressure on tight budgets.
Beyond the cost savings, the programme aims to improve child health and educational outcomes. The DfE noted: "This programme ensures children receive nutritious meals during school hours, which supports their learning and concentration in the classroom, physical health and development and overall wellbeing." The government is also updating School Food Standards to provide the latest nutrition guidance to all schools.
Implementation and oversight
The policy was confirmed under the previous administration but now falls to Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham to implement. The DfE confirmed that the new eligibility will apply from September 2026, and "we expect the majority of schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year 2026."
While the change is automatic for Universal Credit recipients, officials stressed that families must still submit an application to receive the benefit. This ensures schools can plan meal provision accurately and families receive the support they are entitled to.
