Free school meals

Wales

Free school meals are not classed as a 'public fund' for immigration purposes and can be accessed by a child regardless of their immigration status when their family meets the qualifying requirements, or they are provided universally.

Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM)

The Welsh government funds free school meals for children in Wales. Free school meals are available universally to all children in all primary school years in Wales. This provision is not available to children who are attending a private or independent school, unless they were placed there by the local authority. For more information on UPFSM in Wales, see the government website.

Nursery, secondary and sixth form pupils

Free school meals can be provided an eligible child who is in full-time education or learning and attending:

• Nursery provision delivered through a school
• Secondary or high school
• Sixth form school

A child or family will be eligible if:

• The family are receiving section 95 or 98 Home Office asylum support (support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999)
• The family are receiving a qualifying benefit

The qualifying benefits are:

• Universal Credit (and the household’s net income is less than £7,400, excluding benefits)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit

Families with NRPF

Local authorities have discretion to provide school meals free and without charge to a any family who does not meet the eligibility criteria. The Welsh government encourages councils to consider providing free school meals to any child who is not automatically entitled due to their parents’ immigration status. Families with NRPF should contact their local council to find out if they can access this provision.

Read more about free school meals in Wales on the government website.

Page updated: 12 June 2025