From September 2026, the rules around free school meals are changing, and it could mean big savings for thousands of households.
Here’s what you need to know.
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What are free school meals?
Free school meals are exactly what they sound like: free lunches provided at school for children whose families are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.
They make sure kids get food each day while at school, and they help families save money.
What’s the current rule?
Right now, children in England can get free school meals if their parents are on Universal Credit and their household income is less than £7,400 a year.
So, if you’re on Universal Credit but earn a bit more than that threshold, even just slightly, your child doesn’t qualify. This has meant that many families who are still struggling don’t get any help with school meals.
What’s changing in September 2026?
From September 2026, that £7,400 earnings limit is being scrapped.
This means if you’re on Universal Credit, your child will get free school meals – no matter how much you earn.
How many families will benefit?
The government says that this change will make around 500,000 more children eligible for free school meals. They estimate it could save families around £500 a year per child.
It’s also expected to help reduce child poverty, with around 100,000 children lifted out of poverty thanks to this one change.
Why are they doing this?
The Prime Minister said it’s about helping families who are struggling with the cost of living. By removing the income cap, it means fewer children will miss out simply because their parents earn a little bit too much.
In the government’s own words:
“Feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn.”
When do the new rules start?
The change will kick in at the start of the school year in September 2026.
Until then, the current rules still apply, so the income limit of £7,400 remains in place for now.
The government expect that schools will allow parents to apply before the start of the school year 2026, so the free school meals will be in place by September. You can apply by providing your National Insurance Number to check eligibility.
Final thoughts
This is a huge step in the right direction. Scrapping the income cap for families on Universal Credit means fewer children going hungry and more parents getting the support they need.
If you’re on Universal Credit, it’s worth checking with your child’s school closer to the time to make sure you’re registered when the new rules come in.
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