Support with domestic abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Major sporting events can be a difficult time for some people. If you are worried about your own safety, or that of someone you know, confidential support and advice are available on our domestic abuse page.
About free school meals
All primary school children in Reception year, Year 1 and Year 2 in Herefordshire are entitled to school meals.
Free school meals are available to children in other year groups if you or your partner receive benefits. If you receive benefits and your child is in Reception year, Year 1 or Year 2, please complete a free school meals application form, as the school can get extra funding if you do. You only need to complete one application form for all your children, even if they attend different schools within Herefordshire.
Who can apply for free school meals
You can apply for free school meals if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit if NET earnings do not exceed £616.67 per month (or £7400 per year)
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Households with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) may be eligible for free school meals, subject to maximum income thresholds
Changes from 1 September 2026
From 1 September 2026, changes will be introduced to free school meal eligibility:
- All children in families receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals for the whole school academic year. This is regardless of your income.
- Transitional protection* will end for all eligible pupils on 31st August 2026.
- Eligibility will be:
- Assessed annually, and
- Granted for one academic year at a time
If you currently receive free school meals, there is no need to reapply as your current eligibility will automatically be rechecked by the Free School Meals team and you will be notified if you no longer qualify for free school meals.
*Transitional protection was introduced from 1 April 2018 due to an earnings threshold being introduced for Universal Credit claimants. This meant that all children that became eligible for free school meals from this date were protected and would continue to receive free school meals regardless of any change to parents/carers income.
How to apply
If your child or children attend school outside the county, you must make your application for free school meals to the relevant local council, even if you live in Herefordshire.
Nursery aged children attending a Herefordshire Council maintained nursery, may be eligible but must be receiving education before and after lunch to be entitled to free school meals.
You will receive a letter confirming your entitlement, unless your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 as your child will already be receiving a free meal. We will also inform your child's school. Please note, we cannot backdate applications.
Free school holiday activities
If your child is school-aged 5 to 16 (reception to year 11) and eligible for benefit-related free school meals, they'll be able to enjoy our free school holiday activities.