Please check whether your child qualifies for benefits-related Free School Meals, even if they already receive a free lunch in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 under the Universal Free School Meals Scheme

There are two ways children can receive a free school lunch:

• Universal Infant Free School Meals: Every child in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 can have a free school lunch. You do not need to apply for this (however if you would qualify for benefits related free school meals please also apply) 
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• Benefits-related Free School Meals: Children may also qualify because of their family’s circumstances. You do need to complete an eligibility check for this, including if your child already receives a Universal Infant Free School Meal.

Checking matters. Depending on the type of eligibility, it may give your family access to other support and help the school receive additional funding. Your child does not have to start eating school lunches for you to check

Who should check?

We encourage every family to check, particularly if you receive Universal Credit. From September 2026, children in households receiving Universal Credit can qualify for free school meals regardless of household earnings. Some families receiving other benefits or support may qualify too. The quickest way to find out is to complete the free online check.

Check your child’s Free School Meals eligibility here

If the checker says you are not eligible but you think the result is wrong, or your family has no recourse to public funds, please contact the school office. Some circumstances need a separate or manual check.