More children to get free school dinners as rules change across the UK
With tighter household budgets becoming the norm, Free School Meals (FSM) could provide welcome financial relief for many of us. And across the UK, big changes are either already in place or on the way.
These changes could make a real difference to family finances, with FSMs typically saving around £440 per child per year. We can claim free school meals by contacting our council or asking at our child’s school.
England: Major Expansion Coming in 2026
Currently, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 get free school meals automatically.
For older children, families qualify if they get means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit—but only if household income is under £7,400 a year (after tax and benefits).
What’s changing:
From September 2026, the UK government plans to extend free school meals to all children in families on Universal Credit, regardless of income. This will extend help to around half a million more children across England.
If we’re already receiving FSM under current rules, we’ll continue to get them until at least July 2026, even if our income goes up.
Wales: Universal Free Meals Already Rolled Out
As of 2024, all primary school pupils in Wales are entitled to free school meals, regardless of family income.
What’s new:
This universal rollout was fully completed ahead of schedule in 2024. For secondary pupils, eligibility still depends on receiving Universal Credit (with household earnings under £7,400) or similar benefits. With England’s expansion, Wales is reviewing its eligibility criteria for secondary pupils.
Scotland: More Years Covered, More Support
All pupils in Primary 1–5 already get free school meals automatically.
What’s changing:
- From March 2025, free school meals will be extended to children in Primary 6 and 7 who receive Scottish Child Payment or other qualifying benefits. Check to see if we qualify at mygov.scot.
- From August 2025, a pilot in eight council areas will offer free meals to eligible pupils in S1–S3.
- Families in Aberdeen, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Fife, Glasgow, Moray, North Ayrshire, Shetland, and South Lanarkshire will need to apply through their local council.
Scottish Government expands free school meals programme – Children in Scotland
- Families in Aberdeen, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Fife, Glasgow, Moray, North Ayrshire, Shetland, and South Lanarkshire will need to apply through their local council.
Even if our children already receive free meals, it’s worth applying formally. Doing so can unlock additional support such as free milk, holiday payments, and school clothing grants.
Northern Ireland: No Universal FSM, But Help Still Available
Free school meals are not universal in Northern Ireland. Children can qualify if their family receives benefits such as:
- Universal Credit and have net household earnings not exceeding £15,000 per year.
- Income Support, JSA/ESA
- Other means-tested support
Or:
- Asylum seeker status
- Child has a statement of special educational needs requiring a special diet
The application deadline for the 2025/26 school year is 25 July 2025. More info can be found at Education Authority NI.
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