A government scheme ensuring children from lower-income households receive free healthy lunches at school, alongside extra 'Pupil Premium' funding for their school.
Families & Children
Provides a free nutritious school lunch every school day (worth ~£500+ per child per year)
Local Education Authorities / Schools
Tick off each condition below. You'll usually need to meet all of them to qualify.
Apply through your local council website or directly through your child's school portal.
Provide your National Insurance number and date of birth for instant automated benefit validation.
Once approved, free meal credits are credited daily to your child's school food account.
Children eligible for free school meals receive additional local council support, including Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme places during school breaks.
An allowance paid to parents or guardians responsible for raising a child under 16 (or under 20 in approved education or training).
View guide Low Income & Working AgeThe main monthly payment for people of working age who are on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to health conditions.
View guide Families & ChildrenA prepaid Mastercard card scheme helping pregnant women and low-income families with young children buy fresh, frozen, or canned fruit, vegetables, pulses, cow's milk, and infant formula.
View guide