Free school meals
All primary school children in Wales automatically get Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM).
You will need to apply for free secondary school meals for your child.
If you receive certain benefits you can apply to get further support for your child.
Further support
You may be able to get further support for your child, such as:
- help with school essentials
- help with school costs
- the cost of living
- extra funding for your school
Check your eligibility before applying.
Eligibility
To access free school meals and further support, you must receive one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Child Tax Credit - As long as your annual income is £16,190 or less before tax and you don't receive Working Tax Credit
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit - Your household earnings must be less than £7,400 a year after tax. This does not include any income from benefits
- Help under Immigration and Asylum Seekers Act 1999
You may be eligible if you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
Apply online
If your child is eligible, you can apply for free school meals.
Before you start
We will need:
- your name
- your contact details
- your child's name
- details about your child's school
- National Insurance number (if available)
What happens next
We will notify you to confirm if and when your child is eligible for free school meals.
Contact us
If you have any questions about your application or need help to apply, contact:
You can also contact your school if you have any questions or need help applying.