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Free school meals and holiday clubs
Two quick questions to see if your children can get free school meals in England, then your council's own page to apply, and its free holiday activities.
What changed this school year: from the 2026 to 2027 school year, all children from households getting Universal Credit can have free school meals, with no income limit. Families still have to apply. Department for Education guidance (updated 7 October 2026).
Does your household get Universal Credit?
Your children can get free school meals
From the 2026 to 2027 school year, every child in a household that gets Universal Credit can have free school meals, whatever your income. The old earnings limit no longer applies.
You still need to apply. The Department for Education says families must apply to get them.
Do you get any of these?
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Your children can probably get free school meals
These benefits also give free school meals. Apply through your council, which will check your claim.
Benefits-related free school meals probably don't apply
But children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 at state schools in England get free school lunches anyway, whatever your income (universal infant free school meals). Ask the school.
If your circumstances change, for example you start claiming Universal Credit, check again. Your council can tell you if you're not sure.
Your council
Choose your council for its own free school meals and holiday activities pages.
Not sure which council? GOV.UK finds it from your postcode. Council links checked 2026-10-20.
Free holiday activities (HAF)
Children who get benefits-related free school meals can usually get free places at holiday clubs with a healthy meal in the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays, through the holiday activities and food programme. Each council runs its own, with its own booking.
This is a guide, not an assessment: your council decides. We don't store or send any of your answers. Sources: Apply for free school meals (GOV.UK) and Implementing changes to free school meals (Department for Education, updated 7 October 2026), both checked 21 October 2026.
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