Apply for free school meals and school clothing grants in one application and check who can get help under the current rules.
Eligibility changes from the 2026 to 2027 school year
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 school year, the Department for Education (DfE) introduced new eligibility rules for free school meals.
Under the new rules, children in households receiving one or more elements of Universal Credit are entitled to free school meals.
A new national application system has been introduced to support this change. We can now accept applications under the new eligibility rules.
Who can get free school meals
Free school meals are available to statutory school‑aged children who attend full‑time education.
This does not include children in private nurseries or further education colleges.
Eligibility based on benefits you receive
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you receive:
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
Eligibility based on benefits your child receives
Some children can get free school meals if certain benefits are paid directly to them rather than to a parent or guardian.
Any child receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in their own right is entitled to free school meals.
Families with no recourse to public funds
If you are subject to immigration control, you may not have access to benefits.
Some families with no recourse to public funds may still be eligible for free school meals.
Contact us for further information:
Email: [email protected]
Apply for free school meals and clothing grants
You can apply for free school meals and school clothing grants in one application.
Where possible, apply online using the Citizen Portal. You will need to register before you can apply.
Apply for free school meals and school clothing grants
If you cannot apply online, contact us to request a paper application form:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 373 3730
After you apply
If you apply online, you will receive an immediate response telling you whether you are eligible.
Once your application has been approved, we will check your eligibility regularly. Your child will continue to receive free school meals unless changes to your circumstances mean you are no longer eligible.
Tell us if your details or circumstances change
You must tell us if anything changes that could affect your claim. This includes:
- a change to your personal details, such as your name or address
- no longer being the primary carer of the child or children you are claiming for
Contact us to update your details:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 373 3730
If you have a child starting school for the first time
If another child is starting school for the first time, you must apply for that child even if you already receive free school meals and clothing grants for other children.
This includes children starting reception.
If your child changes school
You do not need to apply again if your child changes school.
Make sure the school admissions team is aware of the change.
School meal vouchers in the school holidays
If you qualify for free school meals, you will automatically receive a voucher during the school holidays.
Your child's school will arrange the vouchers on your behalf.
If you have questions about holiday vouchers, contact your child's school.