Families across Dorset are being encouraged to check now whether their children will be eligible for free school meals from the September 2026 school term. This follows changes by central government.

From this autumn, all children whose parent/carer receives any level of Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of how much their household earns.

This removes the current £7,400 annual income cap and means more children will be able to have free school meals.

Free school meals can save families up to around £495 on school lunches per child per year, while also ensuring children receive a healthy, filling meal during the school day.

To prepare for the change, parents or carers will need to apply or reapply from 1 June 2026, even if their child already receives free school meals this school year.

Check eligibility and apply using the online checker at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/free-school-meals

There will be two levels of support:

1. Targeted free school meals

Children will qualify for targeted free school meals if their household receives one of the following:

• Universal Credit with earnings below £7,400 per year

• income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

• support under the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) arrangements

In addition to the free school meals, this unlocks additional support, including:

• extra funding for the child’s school through the Pupil premium (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/pupil-premium)

• free access for the child to Dorset Council’s Holiday Activities & Food Programme (dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/haf-programme) which provides activities and meals during school holidays

2. Expanded free school meals

Children will qualify for free school meals if their household:

• receives Universal Credit with annual earnings over £7,400

This is for free school meals only. It does not include additional school funding (pupil premium) or access to the Holiday Activities and Food programme.

What households need to do 

If you have a child at school, including sixth form:

• Apply or reapply from 1 June 2026, even if your child received free school meals in 2025/26

• Apply separately for each child, including younger children starting school in September

If your child is in further education, please contact their college directly to find out how to apply for free meals.

Most applications will receive an instant reply. You may be asked to upload your benefit documents to prove your entitlement, or you may need to contact Dorset Council’s Free School Meals team if there are queries on your application.

Children approved for Expanded free school meals will be eligible from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2027.

Children approved for Targeted free school meals will become eligible from the date they are approved until 31 August 2027.

If anyone has questions or needs further information, they should contact the council’s Free School Meals team:

Email: freeschoolmeals@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305221090
Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “Free school meals make a real difference to children and families. They support children’s health, wellbeing and learning, and they can also help with the cost of living.

“With these national changes, many more families may now be eligible. I would strongly encourage parents and carers to check from 1 June, even if they think they might not qualify. Checking early helps make sure children don’t miss out when the new school year starts.”

About Pupil Premium – funding for schools

The pupil premium grant is government funding paid to schools. This happens when a pupil is approved for Targeted free school meals.  Schools decide the best way to spend this funding. They will look at how to improve educational outcomes for pupils.

If a parent/carer chooses not to have free school meals for their child but they receive one of the qualifying benefits, they can still apply for free school meals. This will ensure the child’s school will still get the extra funding.

See the dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/pupil-premium webpages.

About the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme 

If your child is eligible for targeted free school meals, they can also join free holiday activities. The activities run during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. They will also get a free hot meal whilst at the club.

See the Holiday Activities and Food Programme at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/haf-programme to find out about upcoming events and activities.

Universal infant free school meals  

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive free school meals. However, if they receive qualifying benefits (as listed under 1 – Targeted free school meals above), families are encouraged to complete the application for free school meals. This will ensure they can access additional support including the Holiday Activities and Food Programme as well as Pupil Premium funding for their child’s school if the application is approved.