Free School Meals Information
From September 2026, the Government is expanding free school meal eligibility, meaning that families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals, regardless of household income.
Who should apply
If you receive Universal Credit and your child is not getting free school meals, apply by filling in Lancashire County Council’s online form.
If you have already applied for free school meals and your child has been confirmed as eligible, you do not need to apply again. LCC will recheck your claim and tell your child’s school before the start of the new September 2026 term.
Eligibility
Infant school meals
Your child will be able to get free school meals if they’re in reception class, year 1 or year 2.
If you receive qualifying benefits or targeted free school meals, your child may be entitled to other programmes of support.
Year 3 and above and secondary
Expanded free school meals
Families receiving Universal Credit with earnings above £7,400.
Targeted free school meals
Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
- Universal Credit with yearly household earnings of £7,400 or less.
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- the guarantee element of Pension Credit
Please visit the Lancashire County Council website for more information and to apply for free school meals.