Changes to free school meals from September 2026

There are some upcoming changes to free school meals, which may affect pupils from 1 September 2026.

On 8 May 2026, the Department for Education announced changes to how free school meals eligibility will work in future, linked to Universal Credit.

These changes will affect:

• families who currently receive free school meals
• families who may be eligible but are not currently claiming

The Government will be checking free school meal eligibility for all pupils between the summer and autumn term 2026, and on a regular basis. This applies to:

• pupils who currently receive free school meals
• families who wish to apply for free school meals for the first time

You do not need to apply if you are already receiving income-based free school meals in a Sheffield school. We will be in touch if anything has changed.

For more information on free school meals and to apply please click on the link below:

https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/schools-childcare/school/school-meals