From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, we are expanding FSM eligibility
to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household
earnings. Free school meals are 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
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
I agree that the information may be used to ensure accuracy of records
across the local authority and the check against fraud.
I agree that you can inform the school(s) attended by my child of
their initial and ongoing entitlement to free school meals.
You may be aware of our
Privacy Policy.
To complete an application you will need to provide:
- Your own name and date of birth
- Contact details
- National Insurance Number or National Asylum Seekers Number
- Child's name and date of birth
- School your child is attending/will attend.
