Free School Meals

From September 2026,  there are two types of benefits-based free school meals: 

Targeted free school meals

Targeted free school meals are for children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less, or another qualifying benefit.

Children in this group can get free school meals and their school may also receive extra funding and support.

Expanded free school meals

Expanded free school meals are for children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400.

Children in this group can get free school meals only.

Are you eligible?

Your child may be eligible for free school meals if you, or your child, receive:

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

Your child may also be eligible if they, or you, receive:

• income-related employment and support allowance
• the guarantee element of Pension Credit
• support under the rules for families with no recourse to public funds.

To check if your child is eligible, apply online for an immediate response or call 0345 606 6067 or email  freeschoolmeals@suffolk.gov.uk for advice.  

How to Apply

 You can apply online using the following link: