Free School Meals Checker 2026/27: All Four UK Nations
Will your child get free school meals in 2026/27? Check by nation, year group, benefits and earnings, including targeted vs expanded meals in England.
From September 2026 every child in England whose household gets Universal Credit can have free school meals, whatever the earnings. Earnings of £7,400 or less make it "targeted" (with pupil premium); above that it is "expanded" (meals only). Scotland feeds all P1-P5 pupils and Wales all primary pupils.
Free School Meals Checker 2026/27: All Four UK Nations
Frequently asked
What is the difference between targeted and expanded free school meals?
Both give your child a free lunch in England from September 2026. Targeted covers Universal Credit households earning £7,400 a year or less (and other qualifying benefits) and also brings pupil premium and holiday activities and food places. Expanded covers Universal Credit households earning more than £7,400 and gives the meal only.
Do I need to reapply for free school meals in September 2026?
If your child already gets free meals, in most cases no: the school or council re-checks eligibility using the details it holds. If your child does not get them now, you need to apply through your council or school. A new school may ask you to confirm your details.
Why did my child lose free school meals in 2026?
Transitional protection, which let some children keep free meals after their family stopped qualifying, ended at the end of the 2025/26 school year in England. Eligibility now depends on whether you currently get Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit.
Do all primary children get free school meals in Scotland and Wales?
In Wales, yes: every primary pupil at a state-funded school can have a free meal. In Scotland, all P1 to P5 pupils get free lunches; P6 and P7 pupils qualify if the family gets Scottish Child Payment or another listed benefit.
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