Thousands more children across Lancashire will be eligible for free school meals from September.
New DfE guidance has increased the eligibility for families receiving Universal Credit, meaning more children will qualify for Free School Meals than ever before.
The move is hoped to save parents up to £495 per year for each child receiving school lunches, by lifting the current household income cap.
Lancashire County Council is now encouraging parents receiving Universal Credit and who think they could be eligible under the new rules to apply now, before the start of the 2026/27 academic year.
Although there have been changes, parents and carers who have already applied for a child in Key Stage 1, or whose child currently receives free school meals and where their circumstances have not changed, do not need to reapply and they will be contacted to confirm their eligibility before the start of next term.
All applications are handled in complete confidence by schools, and applying does not affect a family's benefits, status or the right of children to opt out of having a school meal if they prefer alternative arrangements.
Parents and carers can apply online via Lancashire County Council's free school meals service.
Applications typically take only a few minutes.
Applicants will need the benefit claimant's name, date of birth and National Insurance number.
County Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: "This is welcome news for families across Lancashire and feeds into the significant work taking place to improve outcomes for children and young people in our schools.
‘’No child should go hungry, and we know that ensuring pupils have had a good meal and are ready to learn is key to supporting educational achievement.
"Against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, we know that parents and carers will welcome this support and we encourage families to check their eligibility. Registration can also unlock additional support for children and schools.
‘’We want to ensure every child in Lancashire has the opportunity to thrive and achieve throughout their educational journey, and this expansion will help us to support more families."
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