Why now’s the time to check if your child's eligible for free school meals

The rules surrounding who’s entitled to free school meals are changing. On 1 April 2025, the government will end transitional protection for means-tested free school meals.

Here’s what you need to know:

What’s changing?

If you apply before 1 April 2025 and qualify, your child will get free school meals for their entire current phase of education (e.g. until they finish primary or secondary school). There’s no need to reapply.

If you apply on or after 1 April, your child will have to undergo ongoing checks to confirm they’re still eligible for free school meals.

Children moving from Year 6 to Year 7 in September 2025 (from primary to secondary school) will also be reassessed to see if they still qualify.

Can your child get free school meals?

Your child could get free school meals if you get benefits including:

• income support
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• income-related employment and support allowance
• support under part VI of the immigration and asylum act 1999
• the guaranteed element of pension credit
• child tax credit (provided you’re not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• working tax credit run-on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
• universal credit - your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Also, households with kids who qualify for benefits-related free school meals may be eligible for holiday food vouchers to help low-income families through the school holidays.

How to apply for free school meals

If you’re not sure whether your child qualifies for free school meals, then get in touch with your local council directly. 

In most areas, you can apply through your local authority’s website, which you can find at www.gov.uk.

It’s best to apply now before the new rules take effect in April.

You can also speak to Citizens Advice or your school if you need extra financial support.

Are you getting all the benefits you’re entitled to?

Check if you’re missing out on any other benefits. 

Get in touch to find out what support you could be able to get, or you can try our benefits calculator.