Education Minister has announced an increase in the
income threshold for free school meals and the school uniform
grant, providing vital support to low-income families across
Northern Ireland.
From the 2025/2026 academic year, the threshold for families in
receipt of Universal Credit, applying for free school meals and
uniform grants, will rise from £15,000 to £15,390. The
announcement follows the Department of Education's review of the
eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants.
Announcing the threshold increase, said:
“Free school meals and uniform grants are essential supports for
many families, helping to ease the financial pressures that they
face.
“I have taken the decision to raise the income threshold after
listening carefully to the views shared during the recent public
consultation and considering the wider financial challenges
facing households.
“This increase, which raises the threshold in line with
inflation, will ensure families in need can access help with
school meals. I have also committed to linking future increases
to the rate of consumer price inflation, so that this support
keeps pace with the cost of living and continues to reach those
most in need.
“I would encourage families to check their eligibility against
the criteria on the Education Authority website and to apply for
free school meals and uniform grants as soon as possible."
A summary of the responses to the public consultation has been
published on the Department's website here - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/summary-report-responses-consultation-proposed-changes-review-free-school-meals-and-uniform-grant-eligibility-criteria
The Minister continued:
“In concluding this review, I gave careful consideration to all
the views expressed during the public consultation. I want to
thank the many individuals, organisations, and stakeholders who
took the time to engage and share their perspectives.
“While I would have welcomed the opportunity to introduce
universal free school meal provision, the current budgetary
constraints facing both my Department and the wider Executive
mean this is not achievable in the short term.”
Information on free school meals and uniform grants and how to
apply is available on the EA website at - https://www.eani.org.uk/financial-help/free-school-meals-uniform-grants(external
link opens in a new window / tab)
Notes to editors:
- The 12-week public consultation exercise into the eligibility
criteria for free school meals and uniform grants was completed
in February 2025. It received 661 responses, including 29 written
responses. Responses were received from a wide range of
individuals/organisations including young people, schools,
statutory bodies, trade unions, political representatives and
representative bodies.
