Basically, free school meals are aimed at making sure the country’s more vulnerable youngsters don’t go hungry while they’re learning in their earlier years.
Children of certain ages automatically qualify without having to apply, but the rules differ across the four nations.
Children whose parents claim certain benefits or asylum support may also be eligible – though an application may be needed.
Free school meals without having to apply
In England, outside of London, all state school children in reception to year two automatically qualify for infant free school meals, while in the capital, all state primary school children up to age 11 qualify for the benefit in the 2024-25 academic year.
In Scotland, all state school children up to primary five (around four to nine years old) get the meals automatically. There are plans for this to be extended to pupils in receipt of the Scottish child payment in primary six and seven from February.
In Wales all primary school children in state schools can get free meals from September.
Families who claim benefits
If your child falls outside the eligibility criteria for automatic free school meals, they’ll still be able to benefit in certain circumstances.
Wherever you are in the UK, your child may be able to get free school meals if you get one or more of the following:
- Income support
- Universal credit
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of pension credit
- Child tax credit
- Working tax credit (Scotland and Northern Ireland)
- Working tax credit run-on England and Wales) – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
There’s some specific criteria for families by devolved nation, which we’ll break down below…
England and Wales
If you’re claiming universal credit, your net household income must be less than £7,400 after tax, and not including any benefits.
Those receiving child tax credit must not also be entitled to working tax credit and must have an annual income of less than £16,190.
If you’re classed as having no recourse to public funds – a type of condition placed on temporary visas in the UK – and the parents are able to work, they must have a household income of no more than:
- £22,700 for families outside of London with one child
- £26,300 for families outside of London with two or more children
- £31,200 for families within London with one child
- £34,800 for families within London with two or more children
Scotland
People claiming universal credit in Scotland must have a household monthly income of no more than £796 (£9,552 per year) to qualify for free school meals.
Families on child tax credit, but not working tax credit, can get the meals if they earn less than £19,995. For those on both benefits, their income must be no more than £9,552.
Northern Ireland
You may be able to claim free school meals in Northern Ireland if you receive universal credit and your post-tax earnings are £15,000 or less per year.
If you get child tax credit or working tax credit, you can still get free school meals on an annual income of up to £16,190.
How can I claim the meals?
In England, Wales and Scotland, you apply to your local council.
The UK government website has a local authority postcode checker here, which directs you to the council running services in your area. There are similar tools on the Scottish and Welsh government websites.
In Northern Ireland, you can use this form to apply directly to the government.
How many children are eligible – and how much does it cost?
According to the latest data from the Department for Education, 2.1 million pupils were eligible for free school meals in the 2023-24 academic year – 24.6% of pupils. This was a rise from 23.8% the year before.
According to the London mayor’s office, it’s estimated that school meals cost £13.25 per week – or £2.65 meal – on average.
It says its free school meals offer for all state-educated primary school children in the capital saves parents around £500 per year.
According to a 2023 report from the IFS, the current system of free school meals in England – both means-tested and universal provision – costs the government around £1.4bn a year.
But separate research from the Food Foundation found that expanding free school meal eligibility to all primary school students could generate around £41bn in direct benefits to students and a further £58bn to the wider economy over 20 years.
Read other entries in our Basically series…
