Free Lunch for Volunteers DWP Press Release 8 August 2006 New rules will mean people on benefits who volunteer will no longer have to bear the cost of their meals announced Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton today. Unlike childcare costs and special clothing, meal time costs have never been an expense that could be disregarded for benefits purposes when an individual is volunteering. The change will mean that in future, meals will be treated as an expense that volunteers can claim back.