Free school meals now open to every family on Universal Credit

Every child in a family receiving Universal Credit in England can now get free school meals, after the biggest expansion of the scheme in years came into force this term.

From September 2026, the income limit that used to restrict free school meals for families on Universal Credit has been removed. Before the change, families could only qualify if their household earnings were below 7,400 pounds a year.

Who benefits

The Government says more than half a million more pupils are now eligible. They join around 2.2 million disadvantaged children who already received free meals, 90,000 students in further education and around 1.2 million infants who get free lunches through the universal scheme for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

Families could save up to 495 pounds a year for each child on school lunches, and more for households with several children. The Government expects the change to lift around 100,000 children out of poverty by the end of this Parliament.

You still need to apply

Being on Universal Credit means a child is eligible, but families still need to apply. Parents should contact their child's school or apply through their council. In Birmingham, families can apply through Birmingham City Council. Registering can also bring extra funding into the school through the pupil premium, even for infants who already get free lunches.

Other help with school costs

The expansion sits alongside free breakfast clubs in primary schools, more funded childcare and limits on how many branded items schools can require as part of their uniform.

Why it matters in Birmingham

Birmingham has one of the highest rates of child poverty of any large city in England, and a large share of its pupils already qualify for free school meals. Schools and charities have long argued that a hot, nutritious meal helps children concentrate and learn.

The Government is also reviewing the School Food Standards, which set out what schools must serve.