FREE SCHOOL MEALS – CHANGES TO ELIGIBILITY

FREE SCHOOL MEALS ELIGIBILITY CHANGES – FROM SEPTEMBER 2026

Significant changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility are being introduced by the Department for Education (GOV.UK) from the start of the 2026/27 academic year.

Currently, eligibility is limited for Universal Credit households (only households earning less than £7,400 a year can claim). This means many low-income households have previously not been eligible for Free School Meals. From September 2026, all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit will become entitled to a free school meal. This is a significant widening of eligibility and will increase the number of children able to access a daily meal at school.

As part of this expansion, the Government will introduce two categories of benefits-based free school meals:

• Targeted FSM – which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less.

• Expanded FSM – a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit.

The new eligibility criteria will take effect from September 2026.These changes should be issued to schools, parents and partners before the end of the summer term, providing clear guidance on how to check eligibility and how to apply if required.

Residents are advised to check their FSM eligibility and, if eligible, submit an application form for assessment.

Apply for free school meals here: click on FSM

Further information can be found on the CWaC website: Free School Meals