Important:Changes to Free School Meals Eligibility

From September 2026, parents of children in Years 7 and 8 who receive Universal Credit can apply for the Welsh Government's expanded Free School Meals scheme, even if they have not qualified before. Eligible pupils will be able to access free school meals from January 2027. Please complete an application so we can assess your eligibility.

You could be eligible for free school meals if you receive one of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance
  • Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Child Tax Credit and your annual income is no more than £16,190
  • Working Tax Credit run-on-paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit and your household's annual net income is no more than £7,400 (£616.67 monthly)
  • Support under part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Universal Credit and your household's annual net income is over £7,400 (Years 7 & 8 only)- From January 2027

 

If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit in addition to any of these benefits you will not be eligible, even if the household income is below £16,190.

If you are already in receipt of FSM and need to inform us of a change in your circumstances e.g., change of address, school, change of benefit entitlement or an additional child attending school, you need to inform us of your ‘Change in Circumstances’.

If you are already in receipt of Free School Meals but have no change of circumstances, you do NOT need to apply again.

Apply for free school meals and inform us about a Change in your circumstances

Why do I still need to apply for Free School Meals if my child gets Universal Free School Meals?
The Welsh Government gives an extra grant for every child on an active free school meal claim so please help your child’s school claim significant extra funding by applying here.

If your child/children do not currently have school meals and they would like to start having school lunches, we request that you contact your school immediately if they have any special dietary requirements.

Please note that part-time pupils and those in childcare settings (even if the setting is within a school e.g., Cylch Meithrin) are NOT eligible.