Free School Meals

The number of people who can get a free school meal is being extended. From September 2026, if you get Universal Credit, your child can get a free school meal.

Targeted Free School Meals

Your child can get targeted free school meals if you:

• have a household income of £7,400 or less (excluding benefits)
• get Universal Credit.

If your child can get targeted free school meals, they may also be able to get:

• a reduced cost KCC Travel Saver bus pass
• access to the Holiday Activities and Food Programme.

Your school will also get more funding to support pupils’ learning.

Extended Free School Meals

If your household income is more than £7,400 and you get Universal Credit, you can get extended free school meals from September 2026.

We  check your eligibility and process your application straight away. If your application is successful, we'll notify the school. Your child should get a free school meal within 24 hours. We may ask for proof of benefit after you apply.

You will need to apply on the Kent Country Council website:

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/free-school-meals

If you do not receive any of the above the cost of a school dinner will be £3.25 per day.