The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an important update regarding free school meals as the new academic term starts. From this month onwards, over three million children from households receiving Universal Credit are now eligible to receive free school meals. This change comes as millions of pupils return to schools across the country following the summer break.
Labour MP for Mid-Cheshire, Andrew Cooper, recently raised the issue with the DWP, asking if they had considered informing Universal Credit claimants of their free school meal eligibility through notifications within the Universal Credit online journal. This journal serves as a digital, chronological log of claim activity, changes, and communications.
In response, Secretary of State Sir Stephen Timms stated on 2 September that while the DWP is committed to helping claimants access entitled support, decisions about free school meal eligibility rest with the Department for Education. Although the DWP regularly reviews how it communicates with claimants via digital channels such as the online journal, it has not yet decided to send routine notifications about potential free school meal entitlement through this medium.
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He emphasised that the online journal primarily handles information related to Universal Credit administration and typically does not send provisional notifications about benefits administered by other departments. Claimants are encouraged to seek information about additional support, including free school meals, through existing guidance and application processes provided by the relevant authorities.
Additionally, this week the government announced a comprehensive support package designed to ease financial pressures on families as the school term begins. Alongside the extension of free school meals to qualifying Universal Credit families, more free breakfast clubs are being introduced, childcare support is being expanded, and limits on costly branded school uniforms have been set. These measures could save families up to £1,200 annually, with working parents potentially saving up to £8,000 through government-supported childcare schemes.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell highlighted the financial strain at the start of the school year, noting, “From school uniforms and lunches to childcare and other related costs, expenses quickly add up for families. This support package aims to provide much-needed relief, allowing parents to focus on their children’s education and well-being.”
Children may qualify for free school meals if their families receive Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or the guaranteed element of Pension Credit. Eligibility also extends to children receiving these benefits directly, including those below compulsory school age in full-time education. Parents unsure about their child’s eligibility should consult their school or local authority.
Further details about the Universal Credit online journal are available on the official gov.uk website, where families can also check their eligibility and apply for free school meals.