Free School Meals Are Back for Every Michigan Student—Here’s Why You Should Still Complete the Education Benefits Form
For many parents, that means one less expense to worry about. But there is one important task families should not skip this fall:
Complete your school’s Education Benefits Form.
Your school may use a slightly different name, such as the Household Information Report or Education and Nutrition Benefits Application. Even though school meals are free for all students, completing the form helps your child’s school and may unlock additional benefits for your family.
Why Is the Education Benefits Form Still Important?
Many families assume they do not need to complete any paperwork because school meals are free.
However, schools receive important education funding based in part on the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Information provided through the Education Benefits Form helps schools receive funding for educational programs, student services, and other supports that benefit the entire school community.
The Michigan Department of Education explains that families do not have to complete an application simply to receive free meals through Michigan School Meals. However, families are encouraged to complete the form because it helps schools receive important education funding.
Your Family May Qualify for Additional Benefits
Depending on your school district, completing the Education Benefits Form may help your child qualify for additional benefits such as:
- Reduced or waived athletic participation fees
- Assistance with field trip costs
- Reduced testing fees
- Discounts on school-related programs
- Other district-specific educational supports
Benefits vary by school district. Contact your child’s school to learn what opportunities may be available.
Who May Qualify?
Children may qualify based on household income or other circumstances. This may include children who:
- Live in a household that meets the annual income guidelines
- Live in a household receiving Food Assistance Program, Family Independence Program, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations benefits
- Are enrolled in their school’s Head Start program
- Are in foster care
- Are experiencing homelessness
- Are considered migrant or runaway children
Families who receive WIC may also qualify and are encouraged to submit an application.
2026–2027 Household Income Guidelines
The following annual household income limits are included in the Michigan Department of Education’s 2026–2027 guidance:
| Household Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Weekly Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 | $568 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 | $770 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 | $972 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 | $1,175 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 | $1,377 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 | $1,579 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 | $1,781 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 | $1,983 |
| Each additional person | Add $10,508 | Add $876 | Add $203 |
These figures are based on the Michigan Department of Education’s federal income eligibility chart for the 2026–2027 school year.
What If Your Financial Situation Changes?
Families can apply at any time during the school year.
If a parent or caregiver loses a job, experiences reduced work hours, or has another change in household income, the family may become eligible even if they did not qualify at the beginning of the school year.
Families who were approved last year generally need to complete a new application for the new school year unless the school has already notified them that their children are approved.
One Application Can Cover Your Household
You do not need to complete a separate application for every child. One application can include all students living in your household.
Be sure to complete all required sections so the school can process the application.
Healthy Students Are Ready to Learn
Access to nutritious food supports children’s health, development, concentration, and readiness to learn.
Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan includes goals to improve the health, safety, and wellness of learners; improve early literacy achievement; expand early childhood learning opportunities; and provide adequate school funding. School meal programs and accurate family benefit information can help schools support these priorities.
What Livingston County Families Should Do
- Watch for an Education Benefits Form or similar application from your child’s school.
- Complete and return the form, even though your child receives free school meals.
- Contact your school office if you are unsure which form to complete.
- Ask what additional benefits may be available to qualifying families.
- Apply again during the year if your household circumstances change.
A few minutes of paperwork can help strengthen resources for your child’s school and may connect your family with additional support.
At Great Start Livingston, we are committed to helping Livingston County families raising children ages 0–5 connect with information, resources, and support so every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
