Is Your Child Entitled to Free School Meals? ( Published: 17/06/2026)

FSM eligibility is being expanded from September 2026 to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings (see new criteria below).

We would encourage parents/carers to check eligibility now so that we can be ready to provide your child with a free meal in September under the new criteria.

It is up to parents/carers to apply for free school meals on behalf of their child.

It is very important that we know who is entitled to free school meals; not only so that we can provide your child with a lunch every day, free of charge, but also because the school may receive additional funding; which we use to support your child’s education and ensure that they reach their full potential.

Qualifying FSM Criteria from September 2026 (Applications Open Now)

From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, FSM eligibility will be expanded to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings. Free school meals will be available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

A pupil is only eligible to receive a free school meal where both:

• A claim for this support has been made
• Their eligibility has been verified by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority

Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:

• Are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds

Transitional Protections End 31st August 2026

All transitional protections for free school meals will end alongside the new entitlement applying to all households in receipt of Universal Credit. Pupils must meet the new eligibility criteria for free meals, to continue receiving this provision. Eligibility for free meals will be kept under regular review through annual rechecks.

Current FSM Qualifying Criteria up to 31st August 2026

• Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit