A major change to free school meal eligibility means thousands more families could now qualify for support. From September, children in full-time education in England will be eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives any amount of Universal Credit.
Previously, families needed to earn less than £7,600 a year to qualify. With free school meals worth around £500 per child each year, now is a great time to check whether your family can benefit.
With the cost of living still putting pressure on many household budgets, free school meals can make a real difference. If your child is eligible, you could save hundreds of pounds each year on school lunches and may also be able to access additional support available through your child's school.
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free school meals. From Year 3, they’re available for families on a low income.
Who can get free school meals?
Children may qualify for free school meals if their parent or carer receive:
• Universal Credit - from September, the earnings limit will be removed. If you receive UC, you will qualify.
• Pension Credit.
Why apply?
As well as helping with the cost of school lunches, registering for free school meals can qualify you for additional help, like holiday activities. It also unlocks extra funding for your child's school. This funding can be used to provide additional support, resources and activities that benefit pupils.
Even if your child prefers to take a packed lunch, it may still be worth applying if they are eligible.
Check if you're entitled
Many families miss out on support because they don't realise they qualify. If you're receiving benefits or your household income has changed recently, it is worth checking your eligibility.
You can find more information, check whether your child may qualify and apply by visiting your council’s website.
You can also contact your local council or your child's school for advice on how to apply.
Need support?
If you're struggling with household costs, there may be other financial support available to help, click here to contact our Karbon Foundation.
A major change to free school meal eligibility means thousands more families could now qualify for support. From September, children in full-time education in England will be eligible for free school meals if their parent or carer receives any amount of Universal Credit.
Previously, families needed to earn less than £7,600 a year to qualify. With free school meals worth around £500 per child each year, now is a great time to check whether your family can benefit.
With the cost of living still putting pressure on many household budgets, free school meals can make a real difference. If your child is eligible, you could save hundreds of pounds each year on school lunches and may also be able to access additional support available through your child's school.
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free school meals. From Year 3, they’re available for families on a low income.
Who can get free school meals?
Children may qualify for free school meals if their parent or carer receive:
• Universal Credit - from September, the earnings limit will be removed. If you receive UC, you will qualify.
• Pension Credit.
Why apply?
As well as helping with the cost of school lunches, registering for free school meals can qualify you for additional help, like holiday activities. It also unlocks extra funding for your child's school. This funding can be used to provide additional support, resources and activities that benefit pupils.
Even if your child prefers to take a packed lunch, it may still be worth applying if they are eligible.
Check if you're entitled
Many families miss out on support because they don't realise they qualify. If you're receiving benefits or your household income has changed recently, it is worth checking your eligibility.
You can find more information, check whether your child may qualify and apply by visiting your council’s website.
You can also contact your local council or your child's school for advice on how to apply.
Need support?
If you're struggling with household costs, there may be other financial support available to help, click here to contact our Karbon Foundation.
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