Eligibility for FSM
From September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for FSM, regardless of income level.
We strongly encourage all families in receipt of Universal Credit to apply – even if your income has increased, your child may now qualify.
Applying is quick and easy via the Online FSM Application (OFSM).
End of Transitional Protection
Temporary protections, which allowed children to continue receiving free school meals without rechecking eligibility, will end at the close of the 2025–2026 academic year.
From September 2026, all families will need to meet the current eligibility criteria to continue receiving free school meals.
Families who are currently receiving free school meals do not need to take any action at this stage. Eligibility will be automatically rechecked, and schools will confirm eligibility from September 2026.