Free school meals extended to Year 7 and 8 pupils on Universal Credit, whatever their family income
Free school meals are being rolled out across Wales for Year 7 and 8 pupils from households receiving Universal Credit, whatever their household income, the Welsh Government announced on Thursday 5 November. All 22 local authorities will be serving meals to eligible pupils by January 2027, and over half already are.
What changes
Until now, a secondary school pupil only qualified if their family received Universal Credit and their household earnings were below £7,400 a year, not counting benefits. That earnings limit has been removed for Years 7 and 8.
What families need to do
Parents and carers of Year 7 and 8 pupils who receive Universal Credit should register for free school meals through their local authority. The government points families to its Get help with school costs page on GOV.WALES.
What they said
Education Cabinet Minister Anna Brychan said the roll out "marks the first step in our commitment to extend free school meals to more secondary pupils, ensuring that support reaches families who need it most." The government committed in June 2026 to expanding free school meals to secondary pupils in Universal Credit households.
What is not yet known
The announcement does not say which councils have yet to start, or how many pupils will qualify.