UK Government Expands Free School Meal Eligibility for Families

The Government of the United Kingdom expanded free school meal eligibility for Universal Credit claimants in September 2026. In England, the government removed the previous yearly earnings limit of £7,400, allowing any parent on Universal Credit to apply for support regardless of household income. Wales implemented a similar removal of income limits for children in Years 7 and 8, while Northern Ireland adjusted its income limit to £15,390.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell stated that these changes, combined with new breakfast clubs and limits on branded school uniform costs, aim to ease the "back-to-school squeeze." Government estimates indicate these measures could save families up to £1,200 annually, with additional savings of up to £8,000 for parents utilizing state-funded childcare.

Despite the expansion, the requirement for claimants to manually apply for support drew criticism. Carol Homden, Chief Executive of Coram, questioned the necessity of parental declarations to ensure children have food at lunchtime, suggesting that society should be equally committed to all children regardless of parental status.