Benefits Robin

Free School Meals

Free School Meals provide a free meal during term time for children whose families receive qualifying benefits. This can save families approximately £500 or more per child per year on school meal costs. Around 1.9 million children in England currently receive income-based Free School Meals.

All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 at state-funded schools receive universal infant free school meals regardless of family income — there is no need to apply for these. For children in Year 3 and above, eligibility is linked to the family receiving certain benefits. The main qualifying benefits include: Universal Credit with net earned income under £7,400 per year (approximately £142 per week), Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.

Registering for Free School Meals can also unlock additional school funding through the Pupil Premium — worth approximately £1,455 per primary pupil and £1,035 per secondary pupil per year. Schools use this funding to provide extra support for eligible children, such as additional tutoring, educational trips, breakfast clubs, and learning resources. Even if you prefer your child to bring a packed lunch, registering for Free School Meals still brings the Pupil Premium funding to their school.

If your child has recently become eligible (for example, because you have started receiving Universal Credit), you can apply at any point during the school year. Once registered, eligibility is protected until the end of the current phase of education (primary or secondary), even if your circumstances change — this is called "transitional protection".

Maximum amount

Up to £15/wk per child

Means-tested

Yes

Age group

Any age

Processing time

1 to 2 weeks

Key Requirements

  • 1Child attending a state school
  • 2Receiving a qualifying benefit (e.g. Universal Credit)

How to Apply

  1. 1Apply through your local council — most councils have an online form
  2. 2You will need to provide your benefit reference number so the council can verify your eligibility
  3. 3The council will check your details with the DWP and notify your child's school

What you may need

  • Your qualifying benefit reference number (e.g., Universal Credit claim reference)
  • Your child's name, date of birth, and school details
  • Your National Insurance number

Helpful tips

  • All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 get universal free school meals regardless of income
  • For older children, eligibility is linked to receiving qualifying benefits with income under £7,400 per year (after tax, not including benefits)
  • Registering can also unlock additional school funding (Pupil Premium) to support your child

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

Benefit reference number

Your qualifying benefit claim reference (e.g., Universal Credit journal reference)

Essential

Child's school details

School name, child's name, and date of birth

Recommended

National Insurance number

Your NI number for verification with the DWP

Related Benefits

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

Child Benefit

Universal payment for anyone responsible for a child.

£25.60/wk (first child)

Healthy Start

Prepaid card for milk, fruit, and vitamins for pregnant women and families with young children.

Up to £4.25/wk

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for Free School Meals?
Families receiving qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit (with net earned income under £7,400/year), Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Child Tax Credit (with income under £16,190/year), or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. All children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 receive universal free meals regardless of income.
How do I apply for Free School Meals?
Apply through your local council, usually using an online form. You will need your qualifying benefit reference number (such as your Universal Credit journal reference) and your child's name, date of birth, and school. The council checks your eligibility with the DWP and notifies the school. Processing usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.
What is the Pupil Premium?
The Pupil Premium is additional funding schools receive for each child registered for Free School Meals — approximately £1,455 per primary pupil and £1,035 per secondary pupil per year. Schools use this money to provide extra support. Even if your child prefers packed lunches, registering for FSM brings valuable funding to their school.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Once your child is registered for Free School Meals, they have "transitional protection" — meaning they continue to receive free meals until the end of the current phase of education (end of primary or end of secondary), even if your income changes or you stop receiving the qualifying benefit.
Are Free School Meals available during holidays?
Free School Meals are provided during term time only. However, many local councils and charities run holiday food programmes for eligible families. The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free activities and meals during major school holidays for children eligible for Free School Meals.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.