Free School Meals Expand to All Universal Credit Families from September 2026
Over half a million additional pupils across England will become eligible for free school meals from September, with the government removing the £7,400 income cap and expanding eligibility to all households receiving Universal Credit.
From 1 September 2026, the UK government is expanding free school meals eligibility dramatically. Previously, only families receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings under £7,400 qualified; from now, all households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible, regardless of income.
What's Changing
- Expanded eligibility: All Universal Credit recipients can now access free meals for children in years 3–11
- Three-tier system: Targeted FSM (earned income under £7,400), Expanded FSM (other Universal Credit households), and Universal Infant Free School Meals (Reception–Year 2)
- Estimated savings: Families could save up to £495 per child per year
- Scale: Around 4 million children—roughly 40% of English pupils—will be entitled to free meals
The Department for Education has allocated over £1 billion across 2026–2029 to fund the expansion. For the first phase (September 2026–March 2027), schools receive £295 per pupil in additional funding.
For expat families: If you're settling in the UK and your household receives Universal Credit, check your eligibility immediately after 1 September. Families do not need to apply for Universal Infant Free School Meals, but must verify eligibility in the other categories. This significantly reduces a major household cost and is worth claiming if you qualify.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
