Additional households in Coventry will become eligible for complimentary school dinners from September under new government rules affecting Universal Credit recipients. However, one significant distinction applies to these newly entitled families.
Last year’s government announcement means any households in receipt of Universal Credit will automatically qualify for free school meals from autumn 2026. Yet those newly eligible under this policy adjustment will not receive the same additional support as current beneficiaries.
Previously, pupils receiving free school meals could access supplementary services including the Holiday, Activity and Food programme, which provides children somewhere to spend time during school breaks engaging in enjoyable and wholesome activities alongside nutritious meals.
However, this provision, delivered at various locations throughout the city during holiday periods, will not be extended to those now entitled to free school meals through Universal Credit.
From September, Coventry families claiming free school meals will fall into two distinct groups.
The first category is Targeted Free School Meals, for households on Universal Credit earning below £7,400 annually – these families will qualify for HAF support.
The second is Expanded Free School Meals, for families on Universal Credit with incomes exceeding £7,400 per year – these families will not qualify for HAF support.
According to the government website, from September 2026 free school meal eligibility will be extended to all households receiving Universal Credit, while current FSM protections related to Universal Credit rollout will be discontinued. HAF eligibility for 2026 to 2027 continues to apply to children receiving benefits-related FSM up until September 2026. From that point onwards, including October 2026 half term, Christmas 2026 holiday and February 2027 half term, HAF eligibility will remain at the existing FSM threshold. Consequently, HAF eligibility will not expand to cover all Universal Credit recipients. The government is examining how it distributes funding for disadvantaged children and young people over the longer term to ensure resources reach those most in need while maintaining the overall expenditure on these funding streams. Future HAF eligibility will be announced in the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
A spokesperson for Coventry City Council stated that while local authorities retain flexibility regarding programme delivery, national government determines eligibility criteria. Further details appear in Department for Education guidance available on the government website.