Already getting Free School Meals?
If your child already receives Free School Meals and your circumstances have not changed, you do not need to do anything. We will automatically check eligibility over the summer and let your school know if your child remains eligible from September.
More families can get Free School Meals from September 2026
From 1st September 2026, all families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals for their child/children.
Receiving Universal Credit but not currently getting Free School Meals?
You may now be eligible under the new rules. Apply now to make sure your child can access Free School Meals from September 2026.
What support is available?
All children from households receiving Universal Credit will now receive a free school meal. Families receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less will also continue to qualify for additional support including:
- Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
- ‘Extended rights’ element for school travel assistance
- Additional funding for schools through pupil premium
Universal Infant Free School Meals
All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive universal free school meals.
However, you should still apply for means-tested free school meals if you are eligible because the school may then get important funding.
Find out more, such as your elegibility, on the council website by clicking on this link - https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/schools/free-school-meals