UK-wide
Free school meals (FSM)
Last verified: 2 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
A school-age meal at no cost if you get certain benefits, with extra automatic provision for some infant year groups. Each UK nation sets its own rules and how you apply.
How much you could get
This is a meal, not a cash payment. Some families also get related help such as help with uniforms. Confirm current qualifying benefits on GOV.UK or your council.
Check the current amount on the official page.
Who can claim
You usually need to be responsible for a school-age child and get a qualifying benefit such as Universal Credit (often with an earnings limit), Income Support still in payment, or other listed payments. Some infant pupils get a meal without a means test where that policy applies.
Eligibility conditions
These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.
- You live in the UK.
- You are responsible for a child.
Check if Free school meals may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
When it may not apply
If you do not get a qualifying benefit and the child is outside any universal infant scheme, you are unlikely to qualify. Private school fees are not covered. Always check the rules for the nation you live in.
Where you live
Free school meals is available UK-wide, but the claim route can still differ across nations.
Browse benefits in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.
How to claim
- Apply through your local council or the child’s school, using the GOV.UK starting point. There is no single national form. Universal Credit and other qualifying benefits usually underpin eligibility, with an earnings limit that GOV.UK publishes. Official page
- Infant free meals are a different legal basis in some years. Universal infant free school meals (where they apply) are not the same as means-tested free school meals for older children. Check both on GOV.UK.
- A successful claim can unlock other school help. Some councils and schools use free-school-meal status for extra support. That is a reason to claim even if the child already eats at school.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own rules. Devolved education systems differ. Use the nation-specific official page linked from GOV.UK or your council, not a GB-only form if you live elsewhere.
Official sources
- Apply for free school meals — GOV.UK (primary source)
Related benefits
See all children and pregnancy benefits.
Source: Local authorities / UK education departments. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.
Check if this may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.