Free School Meals: Expanded Eligibility from September 2026

From September 2026, the Government is expanding free school meal eligibility, meaning that all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, regardless of household income.

This change means that more children and young people may now be entitled to receive a free school meal. If you receive Universal Credit and your child is not currently receiving free school meals, we would encourage you to check your eligibility and apply.

Who needs to apply?

If you receive Universal Credit and your child is not currently receiving free school meals, you should complete an application through Lancashire County Council.

If you have already applied and your child has been confirmed as eligible for free school meals, you do not need to apply again. Lancashire County Council will recheck your claim and notify the school before the start of the September 2026 term.

How do I apply?

Applications can be completed online through Lancashire County Council’s Free School Meals service. You will need the benefit claimant’s name, date of birth and National Insurance number. Applications usually only take a few minutes to complete.

Apply for Free School Meals through Lancashire County Council

Lancashire County Council is currently managing a significant increase in applications following the change in eligibility, so families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible ahead of the new academic year.

If you are unsure whether your child is eligible or would like to find out more, please visit the Lancashire County Council website using the link above, where you can find the latest eligibility information and application guidance.

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