HAF Eligibility 2026/2027: What the Free School Meal Changes Mean for School Holidays
Last updated: 25 September 2026
From September 2026, the rules around Free School Meals (FSM) are changing. However, this does not mean that every child receiving free school meals will automatically qualify for a free Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.
If your child has previously attended HAF clubs, or you are checking whether they can attend from October, here’s what you need to know.
What is changing from September 2026?
From the 2026/27 academic year,all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of household income.
However, HAF remains aligned with Targeted Free School Meals. This means the expansion of Free School Meals does not automatically expand eligibility for HAF.
Free School Meals vs HAF: What’s the difference?
Free School Meals
From September 2026, children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals regardless of household income.
HAF Eligibility
HAF places are still based on Targeted Free School Meal eligibility. This means the £7,400 household income threshold still applies for families applying for a HAF-funded place.
Who is eligible for HAF in 2026/2027?
From the October 2026 half-term onwards, HAF eligibility remains based on the existing Targeted Free School Meal criteria.
Household income of £7,400 or less
Children from households receiving Universal Credit with an annual household income of £7,400 or less remain eligible for HAF-funded holiday provision.
If household income is above £7,400, a child may now be eligible for Free School Meals under the expanded FSM rules, but they will not automatically be eligible for HAF.
Important: If your child becomes eligible for Free School Meals because of the September 2026 expansion, they will not automatically become eligible for HAF. If your household income is above the £7,400 threshold, your child will not qualify for a HAF-funded place under the standard eligibility criteria.
If you’re unsure whether your child qualifies, your local authority can confirm HAF eligibility and explain what provision is available in your area.
Why might some children no longer be eligible for HAF?
Some children who have previously accessed HAF may find that their eligibility has changed.
This is because transitional protections, which have been in place since 2018, ended at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.
These protections allowed some children to continue receiving Free School Meals even when their family’s circumstances changed. With these protections ending, some children who previously qualified for HAF may no longer meet the Targeted FSM criteria.
What if my child is no longer eligible for HAF?
Losing HAF eligibility does not mean there are no holiday childcare options available.
Paid holiday clubs
Families can still book paid places at holiday clubs where available.
LSC offers paid holiday club places alongside HAF-funded provision.
Tax-Free Childcare
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get help towards childcare costs through Tax-Free Childcare.
Other local support
Your local authority may also offer other holiday activities, childcare or family support.
Could my child still receive a HAF place?
In some circumstances, yes.
Local authorities can use a proportion of their HAF funding to provide free or subsidised places for children who do not meet the standard eligibility criteria but who they believe would particularly benefit from the programme.
This is known as discretionary HAF funding. Availability and eligibility will depend on your local authority.
If you believe your child would particularly benefit from HAF but they no longer meet the standard eligibility criteria, speak to your local authority or HAF coordinator.
HAF Eligibility 2026/27: The Key Points
- Free School Meals are expanding from September 2026.
- HAF eligibility is not expanding in the same way.
- HAF remains aligned with Targeted Free School Meals.
- The £7,400 household income threshold remains relevant to HAF eligibility.
- Some children may no longer qualify because transitional protections have ended.
- Families can explore paid holiday clubs, Tax-Free Childcare and other local support if they are no longer eligible.
These places are supported by local councils and are limited each holiday period.
