USDA Tweaks School Meal Income Rules for 2026
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting July 1, 2026, the USDA updates the income rules that decide who can get free or cheaper school meals, milk, and summer food benefits. These changes help make sure kids who need help the most get it, based on the latest cost of living. Schools, care programs, and tribal groups will use these new guidelines through June 2027 to support families better without changing paperwork or costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Updated School Meal Income Limits
You or your children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, free milk, and Summer EBT under new income rules effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The USDA sets free eligibility at 130% of the 2026 Federal poverty guidelines and reduced-price eligibility at 185%, and the notice shows a 2.6% increase for a family of four over last year's level.
What Counts as Income for Eligibility
When applying, you must count income before deductions, including wages, net self-employment, Social Security, dividends or interest, rental income, public assistance, unemployment, pensions, alimony, regular outside contributions, royalties, and other cash income. The notice also states that the value of meals, milk, or EBT benefits to children shall not be counted as household income for other federal benefit programs.
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