Families urged to apply for free school meals after eligibility changes
Updated criteria enable more local families to qualify for support
Families across West Northamptonshire are being encouraged to determine their eligibility for free school meals following updates to the national criteria starting the 2026/27 academic year.
Under the new criteria, all children attending school whose households receive Universal Credit are entitled to free school meals.
The changes aim to support a greater number of families, prompting West Northamptonshire Council to urge parents and carers to verify their eligibility and apply promptly.
Key points for parents and carers include:
If never having applied, they should check eligibility and submit an application.
Those who applied before 1st June 2026 must reapply to ensure the updated criteria are applied.
Families who applied after 1st June 2026 need not take further action as their application falls under current standards.
Cllr Michael Stratton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Education, encourages families receiving Universal Credit to review the revised criteria and submit applications without delay.
He states, "These changes mean that more families across West Northamptonshire could now benefit from free school meals.
''I would encourage any parent or carer who receives Universal Credit to check the updated eligibility criteria and submit an application if they have not already done so."