Free school meals

School children of parents or carers who receive support payments may be eligible for free school meals.

Changes for 2026-27

From September 2026, all children can get free school meals, if:

• they attend an eligible school;
• and their household gets Universal Credit.

There will be two types of free school meals based on benefits:

• Targeted

This applies to pupils from households on Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less. As well as free meals, these pupils will still bring pupil premium and other disadvantage funding to their school.

• Expanded

This is a new category and is for pupils whose households get Universal Credit, but earn more than £7,400 a year. These pupils will be entitled to free school meals only.

Note: You can get free school meals at 16-18 years old, if:

• You are still at school;
• and you get Universal Credit. 

You must tell the Local Authority if you have any changes that affect the above income. It can also affect your entitlement to free school meals.

If you are eligible for Free School Meals, the school will credit your child’s account day for them to get a meal of their choice. This amount will not accumulate as it will be refreshed each school day. You will also be able to top up this account if your child wants to spend more than the allocated amount per day.

To apply for free school meals please go the link below to check your eligibility and see how to apply from your local authority

Free school meals | Calderdale Council