Free school meals

All primary school children in Wales automatically receive Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM).

But if you have a low household income, you should apply for free school meals. Applying could help you access additional support for your child. Your child's school may also receive extra funding.

To access free school meals and further support, you must receive one of the following:

Universal Credit

If you or your partner receive Universal Credit, your child's eligibility depends on your combined net earnings.

Combined net earnings of £7,400 a year or less

If your combined net earnings are £7,400 a year or less (£616.67 a month), your child may be eligible for:

• free school meals
• School Essentials Grant

Combined net earnings of more than £7,400 a year

• Your child is in Year 7 and/or 8 and you are in receipt of Universal Credit (no income limit will apply). 
• This gives access to free school meals only and not the Schools Essential Grant.

Other qualifying benefits

Your child may also be eligible for free school meals if you receive:

• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided your annual household income is £16,190 or less before tax and you do not receive Working Tax Credit
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Your child may still be eligible for free school meals if your family has 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)

Apply by post

You can also download and complete the application form below:

What happens next

We will notify you to confirm if and when your child is eligible for free school meals.