Website of the UK government

Who is eligible?

You can get free school meals for your child if you or your partner gets either:

Free school meals

Free school meals only apply in England and Wales (although provision can vary). The free school meals scheme in England and Wales is usually administered by the education department of your local authority or governing bodies in your local area.

Free school meals in Scotland are at the discretion of individual education departments of your local authority.

All food provided by the education department of your local authority must meet national nutritional standards. These standards ensure children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet.

• Find your local authority
• Education authority contacts in Scotland Opens new window
• Nutrition and school meals (parents section)

What age must my child be to receive free school meals?

Free meals are available to any full-time student who is still at school and eligible. This includes nursery children who attend full days and also sixth form students. Meals are not available for students at further education level.

How to apply

To apply for free school meals, you usually need to complete the free school meal application form from the education department of your local authority and return it with the relevant proof either to one of the schools your child or children attend or to the address on the form. Individual local authorities need to be satisfied that the applicant meets the qualifying conditions.

If you receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit, you will be asked to produce proof of your entitlement. This may be your 'Pension Credit M1000 Award' notice, a letter from The Pension Service or a photocopy of the decision letter.

• Contact The Pension Service Opens new window

Apply for free school meals

The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.

• Apply for free school meals Opens new window

Free milk

Any child who is under the age of five is entitled to free milk tokens if you receive the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit.

• Free milk, formula and vitamins, fruit and vegetables (money, tax and benefits section)
• Healthy eating for under fives (parents section)

More useful links

• Pension Credit (money, tax and benefits section)
• Understanding the basic State Pension (money, tax and benefits section)
• Child benefits (money, tax and benefits section)