From the start of the 26 / 27 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free meal, regardless of household income. There will be two categories of benefits-based free school meals:
•      Targeted FSM: for households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings of £7,400 or less. This is unchanged from the existing threshold and continues to attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding.
•      Expanded FSM: a new category for households receiving Universal Credit with earnings above £7,400. These pupils receive free meals but do not attract pupil premium or other disadvantage funding.
Existing Claims
All households, whether you currently qualify for FSM or not, must apply for, and meet the FSM eligibility criteria to receive provision. Pupils will not attract FSM funding if they do not have a valid recheck of eligibility before October each year.
New Claims
Many families will become eligible for the first time under the expanded FSM criteria. If you feel you may qualify for free school meals under the new guidance, you will need to apply on the Government Free School Meals Website. Enter your postcode to go to your relevant council website to apply. Please make your claim by 31st July 2026.
Check your eligibility
To check if you are eligible for free school meals - whether as Targeted FSM or Expanded FSM - you should visit the London Grid for Learning website- you will need your national insurance number.
