Can children of visa holders get free school meals?

It depends on the visa type and whether you have a 'no recourse to public funds' condition. Since 2023, the government has extended temporary free school meals eligibility to some families with NRPF. Children of refugees, those with humanitarian protection, and some other groups are eligible regardless.

Are free school meals classed as public funds?

Free school meals were historically not classed as public funds, but eligibility was linked to benefits that are public funds. The temporary NRPF extension means some families can access free school meals even without accessing other benefits. Check the current rules with your local authority.

How do I apply for free school meals?

Apply through your local council. You can usually apply online on the council's website. You will need to provide your National Insurance number or immigration details. The school can also help you with the application.

Free School Meals for Visa Holders and Immigrant Families

Eligibility for free school meals depends on your immigration status and income. Families with settled status or ILR can access free school meals on the same basis as British citizens. The government has extended temporary eligibility to some families with no recourse to public funds. Refugees and those with humanitarian protection are eligible. Application is through your local council.

Who Is Eligible

Free school meals eligibility in England depends on your immigration status and whether you receive qualifying benefits. The rules are set by the Department for Education.

The following groups are eligible:

Families receiving qualifying benefits: Universal Credit (with income below the threshold), Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Child Tax Credit, and Working Tax Credit (with income below the threshold).
Refugees and humanitarian protection holders: Eligible for benefits and therefore free school meals.
ILR and settled status holders: Can claim benefits and therefore qualify for free school meals if on a low income.
Asylum seekers: Children of asylum seekers receiving Section 95 support are eligible.

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

Many visa holders, including those on Skilled Worker visas and spouse visas, have a "no recourse to public funds" (NRPF) condition on their visa. This normally prevents access to most benefits.

However, the government introduced a temporary extension of free school meals eligibility to families with NRPF. This extension, originally introduced during COVID-19, has been continued. Eligible families include those where:

At least one parent has leave to remain with NRPF and household income is below the qualifying threshold.
The family would qualify for free school meals if the NRPF condition did not exist.

Check with your local council for the most up-to-date eligibility criteria, as the temporary extension may change. For more on the NRPF condition, see our NRPF guide.

How to Apply

Check eligibility: Use the GOV.UK free school meals page or contact your local council.
Apply through your council: Most councils have an online application form. You will need your National Insurance number, date of birth, and the child's details.
Provide immigration details if needed: If you have NRPF, you may need to provide additional immigration information.
Receive a decision: Decisions are usually quick. If approved, the school is notified automatically.

Your child's school may also be able to help with the application. Speak to the school office or the family liaison officer.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Free school meals rules differ across the UK nations:

Scotland: Universal free school meals for all primary school children in P1 to P5. Older children qualify based on benefits.
Wales: Universal free school meals are being rolled out to all primary school children.
Northern Ireland: Similar qualifying benefits system to England.

In all cases, families with refugee status or humanitarian protection are eligible.

Pupil Premium

Schools receive additional funding (the Pupil Premium) for each child registered for free school meals. This means that applying for free school meals benefits your child's school even if your child does not eat school lunches. The funding is used for additional teaching support, resources, and activities.

For more on your children's education, see our school places guide.

If You Are Refused

If your application is refused, ask the council for the reason in writing. Common reasons include income above the threshold or an immigration status that does not qualify. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can:

Ask the council to reconsider with additional evidence.
Seek advice from Citizens Advice or a local charity.
If you have NRPF, check whether the temporary extension applies to your specific visa type.