Find out if you’re entitled to free school meals and help with uniform costs in Northern Ireland

More than 93,000 children and young people across Northern Ireland are currently receiving free school meals — is your child one of them?

The Education Authority (EA) is encouraging families to check if they’re eligible for Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance support ahead of the new school term in September.

Apply by the last Friday in July

While applications can be made year-round, parents are strongly advised to apply before the last Friday in July to ensure support is in place in time for the start of the academic year.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you receive any of the following:

• Income Support

• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance

• Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit

• Universal Credit (with net household earnings of £15,390 or less per year)

Additional eligibility:

• Children with a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) requiring a special diet

• Asylum Seekers supported by the Home Office ASAT (Asylum Support Assessment Team)

Uniform Grant amounts 2025/26

• £42.90 for primary school pupils born on or before 1 July 2021

• £61.20 for secondary pupils under 15 on 1 August 2025

• £67.20 for secondary pupils aged 15+ on 1 August 2025

• +£26.40 extra for PE kits (for eligible secondary and college students)

Note: No uniform grant is available for nursery pupils.

How to apply

All applications must be submitted through the EA’s online portal: EA Connect

You’ll also find step-by-step video guides and information about the documents you’ll need.

If you need help:

Call the Free School Meals and Uniform Allowance Helpdesk: 028 9047 0233 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)

Email: mealsanduniform@eani.org.uk