FSM and how to Apply

Your child may be eligible for Free School Meals if you receive any of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• The Guarantee Credit element of State Pension Credit
• Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) does not exceed £16,190
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
• Universal Credit

Important Changes for the 2026–27 School Year

All Universal Credit households qualify
From the start of the 2026–27 academic year, all children living in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of household earnings. The previous £7,400 earnings limit has been removed.

Transitional protection arrangements
Previous transitional protection arrangements are being replaced by the new eligibility rules. Families must continue to meet the current criteria to remain eligible for Free School Meals.

You must apply
Free School Meals are not awarded automatically. Parents and carers must complete an application through the local authority to confirm eligibility, even if their child is already receiving meals.