“Families across Dorset are being encouraged to check now whether their children will be eligible for free school meals from the September 2026 school term. This follows changes by central government.
From this autumn, all children whose parent/carer receives any level of Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of how much their household earns.
To prepare for the change, parents or carers will need to apply or reapply from 1 June 2026, even if their child already receives free school meals this school year.
Check if your eligible and apply on the Dorset Council website: More Dorset children could qualify for free school meals – Dorset Council“