Havering says your child is eligible for free school meals in a few different ways, depending on their age and your benefits. For primary school children, all pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2 get free school meals, and for the 2025 to 2026 school year that extends to years 3, 4, 5 and 6 in London borough schools.
| Eligibility route | Who it applies to |
|---|---|
| Universal primary entitlement | Reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils, regardless of benefits or household earnings |
| Temporary London-wide primary support | Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 pupils for the 2025 to 2026 school year, in London borough schools only |
| Means-tested eligibility | Children/families receiving Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit) with annual income under £16,190, support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or Working Tax Credit run-on |
| Universal Credit income rule | Household income must be less than £7,400 a year after tax and not including benefits |
Havering also says if your child is confirmed as eligible, they stay eligible until they finish the primary or secondary phase they’re in. If you want to check or apply, use Apply for free school meals.