The shake-up, announced by the Government and communicated locally by Swindon Borough Council, will see new eligibility rules brought in across England at the start of the new school year.
While the changes are expected to widen access to free school meals, parents are being warned that children currently receiving benefits-based free school meals will not automatically continue to qualify.
Families must submit a fresh application before September to ensure support remains in place.
Under the new system, all children living in households receiving Universal Credit will qualify for a free school meal, regardless of income.
Nationally, the move is expected to make hundreds of thousands more children eligible.
However, the changes will also bring an end to transitional protections that have been in place since 2018. These protections allowed some children to continue receiving free school meals even if their household income increased.
From September, families will be required to meet the revised criteria and complete a new eligibility check.
Swindon Borough Council has told parents that children currently receiving benefits-based free school meals must reapply and will not automatically remain entitled.
Two categories of benefits-based free school meals will be introduced.
The first category, known as targeted free school meals, will apply to children in households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less, as well as those receiving certain other qualifying benefits.
Children in this group will also remain eligible for the Holiday Activities and Food programme during school holidays.
The second category, described as expanded free school meals, will apply to children in households receiving Universal Credit with earnings above £7,400 per year.
Although these children will receive a free school lunch, they will not qualify for Holiday Activities and Food support.
This means some families who become newly eligible for free school meals may not receive the additional support previously linked to entitlement.
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive universal infant free school meals, regardless of household income.
However, families who may qualify for benefits-based free school meals are still being encouraged to apply, as successful claims can provide additional funding for schools.
Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said:
“I know there are lots of parents who rely on free school meals, so it’s important that families don’t miss out on the support they’re entitled to.
“These changes from the Government require families who currently receive benefits-based free school meals to act. Even if your child already gets free school meals, you will need to submit a new application before the start of the new school year.
“Confirmed eligibility can also bring extra funding into your child’s school, helping to support learning and opportunities for all pupils, so it really is worth taking a few minutes to complete.”
Parents who wish to check their eligibility or make an application have been directed to Swindon Borough Council’s free school meals service.
The Government says the changes are aimed at widening access to school meals while introducing a new eligibility system linked to Universal Credit.
