Free school meals from September 2026: what changed and who needs to apply

Step by step

1. What changed

   There are now two types of free school meals. Targeted free school meals are for children in households getting Universal Credit with net annual earnings of £7,400 or less; they also bring Pupil Premium funding to the school. Expanded free school meals are for children in households getting Universal Credit whose earnings are above £7,400; they do not bring Pupil Premium funding. Some other benefits also qualify, so check your council's page for the full list.

2. Which children need an application

   Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 get meals automatically through Universal Infant Free School Meals. For Years 3 to 11, a parent or carer needs to check eligibility and apply.

3. West Northamptonshire: apply again if you applied before 1 June 2026

   West Northamptonshire Council asks families who applied before 1 June 2026, or who had free school meals before but have not applied for the 2026/27 school year, to submit a new application so their child is assessed against the current criteria. Use the council's online eligibility check.

4. North Northamptonshire: apply again if you applied before 1 July 2026

   North Northamptonshire Council asks families who applied before 1 July 2026 to submit a new application. If you applied on or after 1 July 2026, you do not need to apply again, because your application is already being assessed.

5. If your child has an EOTAS package

   There is no legal entitlement to free school meals for a child receiving Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS). National guidance expects councils to consider equivalent food provision where the child would meet the targeted free school meals criteria, and then to look at the child's individual circumstances. Apply through your council's eligibility check, then ask the council's SEND or EOTAS team what food provision, if any, will follow.