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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

Congress proposes to exclude military housing allowance from school meal income checks, boosting eligibility

Also known as: Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(4)
Military Active
Helps
Housing Assistance
Helps
Child Tax Credit
Helps
Student
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress would change how family income is counted for free or reduced-price school meals when a parent is in the uniformed services.
  • The bill excludes the Basic Allowance for Housing from the income calculation, which could help more military families qualify.
  • It also directs the Agriculture Department, working with the Defense Department, to report to Congress by Oct. 1, 2026 on making eligible military kids automatically approved without extra paperwork.
  • That report must look at options like using existing military benefit data and whether to ignore income from non-service members in the home when deciding eligibility.
EducationVeteransConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 27, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Jan 27, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7259
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.