More NI families to qualify for free school meals and uniform grants as income threshold increased
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Low-income families across Northern Ireland will receive enhanced support from the 2025/26 academic year, as Education Minister Paul Givan has confirmed an uplift in the income threshold for free school meals and school uniform grants.
Under the new criteria, the earnings limit for families on Universal Credit applying for these benefits will increase from £15,000 to £15,390, reflecting inflation-linked adjustments.
The move comes in response to the Department of Education’s comprehensive review of eligibility rules and a 12-week public consultation which concluded earlier this year.
Announcing the change, Minister 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.”
He added:
“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.”
Families are encouraged to check their eligibility via the Education Authority’s website and to apply as early as possible ahead of the new school year. Applications and information can be found at www.eani.org.uk.
Consultation response and wider context
The Department’s review involved a significant consultation process, receiving 661 responses, including 29 written submissions. Contributions came from a wide spectrum of stakeholders, such as schools, young people, political representatives, trade unions, and statutory bodies.
A summary of the consultation findings is available on the Department of Education website at:
Minister Givan extended thanks to those who participated:
“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.”
Despite the support for broader measures, the Minister acknowledged financial limitations currently facing the Executive:
“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.”
How to apply
Eligible families can access guidance and submit applications for free school meals and school uniform grants through the Education Authority (EA) website:
The threshold increase will come into effect for the upcoming academic year, providing timely assistance as households prepare for back-to-school expenses in September.
