Important Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026
From September 2026, the way families qualify for Free School Meals is changing.
Under the new arrangements, all children living in households that receive Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals. This change means that many more families will now qualify for support.
If you receive Universal Credit, please apply now – even if you have applied previously (prior to 1st June 2026). Applications for free school meals should be submitted through the Manchester City Council website.
If you do not live under Manchester City Council, you need to find which local authority you need to apply under.
To ensure that eligibility is correctly assessed under the new criteria, all parents and carers must apply or reapply for Free School Meals, even if their child currently receives them. Completing an application will help ensure that children continue to receive their entitlement and will also enable schools to access any additional funding available to support pupils.
From September 2026:
• Eligibility will be re-checked each June/July.
• All families must meet the current eligibility criteria to continue receiving Free School Meals.
What do you need to do?
Even if your income has increased since your last application, your child may still qualify under the new system.
If you have not applied since 1 June 2026, please do so now to ensure that your child continues to receive free meals.
The school will be notified once eligibility is confirmed. Submitting an application does not mean meals will start immediately.
We encourage all families who receive Universal Credit to apply as soon as possible. If you need support with completing your application, please contact school who will be happy to assist you through the process.
Who is eligible?
Your child may qualify for free school meals if you get any of the following:
· Income Support
· Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
· The guaranteed part of Pension Credit
· Child Tax Credit (as long as your annual gross income is £16,190 or less and you don’t get Working Tax Credit)
· Working Tax Credit run-off after you come off Working Tax Credit
· Universal Credit that you applied for on, or after, 1 April 2018. As long as your household income is less than £7,400 a year after tax, not including any benefits
· Your child may also qualify if you are an asylum seeker, or if they receive any of these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian.
Who can help me if I need it?
If you need support with completing your application, please contact school, who will be happy to assist you through the process:- 0161 232 1639 or office@manchester-academy.org