For families receiving Universal Credit, the start of the new school term brings an important change to free school meal support in England. More than three million children from households receiving Universal Credit are now expected to become eligible under the expanded arrangements.
The change comes as families face the usual costs of returning to school, including meals, uniforms, childcare, and other expenses. At the same time, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified that it will not routinely notify Universal Credit claimants through their online journals when they may qualify for free school meals.
That means eligible families may need to check the rules and use the application process provided by their local authority or school.
Change
The expansion of free school meals is part of a wider package of measures intended to reduce the financial pressure on families as children return to school.
The government says the measures could help eligible households save money through free school meals, breakfast clubs, funded childcare, and changes to school uniform costs.
According to the government, families benefiting from free school meals, breakfast clubs, and cheaper school uniforms could save as much as £1,200 a year. Eligible working parents using government-funded childcare could potentially save up to £8,000 a year.
The broader policy objective is to reduce child poverty while helping households manage regular costs associated with education and childcare.
Statement
The DWP has also responded to a parliamentary question about whether Universal Credit claimants should receive messages through their online journals when they may qualify for free school meals.
Andrew Cooper, Labour MP for Mid-Cheshire, asked Secretary of State Sir Stephen Timms what consideration had been given to notifying claimants about potential eligibility through their Universal Credit journal.
In a response published on September 2, Sir Stephen Timms said the department was committed to helping people access support for which they may be entitled.
However, he confirmed that no decision had been made to introduce routine journal notifications about possible free school meal entitlement.
The department explained that eligibility for free school meals in England is the responsibility of the Department for Education. Universal Credit information can be used when determining eligibility where appropriate.
Journals
A Universal Credit journal is an online record connected to a claimant’s account. It can contain messages, information about reported changes, completed tasks, and other records connected with the administration of a Universal Credit claim.
The DWP said it regularly reviews communications with claimants, including information delivered through digital channels such as the journal.
However, it said the journal is mainly intended for information relating to the administration of a person’s Universal Credit award. It is not generally used to send speculative messages about support that is administered by another organisation.
For families, this distinction is important. Receiving Universal Credit does not necessarily mean a message will appear in the journal telling them to apply for free school meals.
Eligibility
A child may qualify for free school meals if their household receives Universal Credit, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.
Other qualifying circumstances can include income-related Employment and Support Allowance, support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or the guaranteed element of Pension Credit.
Children who receive certain qualifying benefits directly may also be eligible.
There are additional circumstances involving children below compulsory school age who are receiving full-time education. Eligibility can depend on the specific circumstances of the child and household.
Families should therefore avoid assuming that they are either automatically eligible or automatically excluded based only on the benefit they receive.
Applications
Families who believe their children may qualify should check the arrangements in their area rather than waiting for a Universal Credit journal notification.
The application process for free school meals is handled through the relevant education authorities in England. Parents and guardians can contact their child’s school or local authority to ask about eligibility and how to apply.
This can be particularly important during the start of a new school year, when household expenses can increase quickly.
If a family is unsure about eligibility, asking the school or local authority is a practical way to establish whether an application should be made.
Savings
The free school meals expansion forms part of a wider effort to reduce costs for families with children.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the beginning of a school term can be one of the more expensive periods for parents because of the combined cost of uniforms, lunches, childcare, and other school-related expenses.
Free meals can remove one recurring household expense during term time. Breakfast clubs and childcare support may provide additional assistance for eligible families, while measures affecting school uniform costs are intended to limit some of the expenses associated with returning to school.
For households already managing a tight budget, several smaller savings can add up over the course of a year.
The key point for Universal Credit claimants is that they should not rely on receiving a message through their Universal Credit journal about free school meals. The DWP has confirmed that routine notifications have not been introduced. Families should instead check their eligibility through their school or local authority and follow the relevant application route.
