Free School Meals

Free School Meals help ensure that children have access to a healthy and nutritious meal during the school day.

Cheshire East Council has confirmed that Free School Meals eligibility will be expanding from September 2026. This change means that more families will be able to apply for support.

What Is Changing?

At the moment, most families receiving Universal Credit only qualify for income-based Free School Meals if their annual earned income is £7,400 or less, excluding benefits.

From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will become eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of household earnings.

Important Dates

Applications open: 1 August 2026

Expanded eligibility starts: 1 September 2026

Please note that applications can be submitted from 1 August 2026, but meals under the expanded scheme cannot begin before 1 September 2026.

Who Will Benefit?

The change will support:

• More families receiving Universal Credit

• More children accessing a healthy meal during the school day

• Households facing pressure from rising living costs

How To Apply

Families can find out more and apply through the Cheshire East Council website: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schools/school-meals

You can also contact Cheshire East Council by email: freeschoolmeals@cheshireeast.gov.uk

We encourage all families who think they may be eligible to check the guidance and apply when applications open.