Education Minister supports households by raising Free School Meals and Uniform Grant threshold
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan 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, Paul Givan 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
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.
- Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk.
- For more news from the Department of Education, you can follow us on our social media channels:
- X @Education_NI
- Facebook Department of Education NI
- Instagram de_northern_ireland
- LinkedIN Department of Education