Yes — in Swindon, children in Year 3 and above can qualify for benefits-related free school meals if the household receives Universal Credit and the household annual income is less than £7,400 after tax, excluding any benefits received.
| Eligibility point | Swindon rule |
|---|---|
| School year | Year 3 and above |
| Benefit | Universal Credit |
| Income test | Household annual income must be less than £7,400 after tax and excluding any benefits received |
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are covered automatically, so they do not need to meet the Universal Credit income test. If the claim has only just been made, Swindon can process it once the Universal Credit claim is confirmed by the Department for Work and Pensions, which can take up to six weeks. You can apply for free school meals.