Free school meals
Changes to free school meal eligibility from September 2026
The government has announced that the eligibility criteria for free school meals will change from 1 September 2026.
From that date children will be entitled to free school meals if their parents or carers receive any form of universal credit. However not all children who qualify will be entitled to other associated school-related benefits. Information relating to this will be shared when it is available.
Please apply now if you believe you qualify.
The system is now checking your eligibility for free schools meals in September under the new criteria. Your child will not receive free school meals before then unless you qualify under the current criteria. If you believe you do but aren't currently receiving free school meals please email us Free.SchoolMeals@eastsussex.gov.uk
Please note that if you are currently in receipt of free school meals, we will be re-checking for eligibility under the new criteria and you do not need to re-apply
Infant Free School Meals
Your child gets free school meals if they’re in Reception, Year 1, or Year 2. You do not need to apply for them.
If you get certain benefits, you should apply so the school gets extra money. This will also make sure your child keeps getting free meals from Year 3.
Contact details
Email: free school meals queries
Phone: 0300 330 9472 (10 am to 3 pm)
Children in Year 3 and older
Children in Year 3 and above can get free school meals if their parents or carers get certain benefits. These benefits include:
- Universal Credit - GOV.UK (your yearly income must be below £7,400 after tax; your monthly income cannot be over £616.67.)
- Income Support - GOV.UK
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) - GOV.UK
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - GOV.UK
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 - GOV.UK
- The Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit - GOV.UK
- Child Tax Credit - GOV.UK (your yearly income must be below £16,190.)
From the start of the 2026/27 school year, the Department for Education will extend entitlement to free school meals. This will include all children from households receiving Universal Credit.
Changes of circumstances
Since April 2018, pupils becoming eligible for free school meals under the benefits-based criteria will continue to receive free meals until the end of the 2025/26 school year. This applies, regardless of any change in household circumstances, including an increase in earnings above the eligibility threshold.
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, households must meet the eligibility criteria to be entitled to free school meals.
Children must be in school before and after lunchtime to get free meals.
If your child goes to one of the East Sussex academies listed below, contact the school to apply for free school meals.
Primary Academies
- Ark Blacklands
- Ark Castledown
- Ark Little Ridge
- Breakwater
- Hawkes Farm
- High Cliff
- Hollington
- Peacehaven Heights
- Telscombe Cliffs
- Thornton Grove
- White House
Out of county
If your child attends a school outside of East Sussex (including Brighton & Hove), please contact the school to apply for free meals.
Healthy Start
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you buy healthy foods like milk or fruit and vegetables. You need to receive certain benefits to qualify.
Stay healthy
Help your family be healthier and happier, by eating well and moving more.
Cost of living
Find out what support there is to help with the cost of living:
