From September 2026 the government is changing who is eligible for Free School Meals.

 

What is changing?

Expanded entitlement for families on Universal Credit

From the start of academic year 2026 to 2027, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to free school meals, regardless of earnings.

Going forward, there will be two types of eligibility:

• Targeted FSM: for households in receipt of universal credit earning £7,400 or less (includes free meals and additional support such as pupil premium).
  Other educational entitlements such as the Holiday Activities and Food program (HAF) and the ‘extended rights’ element of school travel assistance, will also continue to be based on targeted FSM.
• Expanded FSM: for households in receipt of universal credit earning above £7,400 (free meals only)

 

Families with no recourse to public funds may also be eligible for Targeted FSM subject to meeting separate criteria.

 

End of transitional protections

Since 2018, some children have continued to receive free school meals, even if their family circumstances changed during the rollout of Universal Credit. This is referred to as transitional protections.

Now that entitlement is being expanded to all families on Universal Credit, these protections will end at the end of the 2025 to 2026 academic year.
 

This means:

• Some children may no longer be eligible from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year if their family does not receive Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit.
• Eligibility will now be based on current benefit status.

 

What you need to do

If your child currently receives free school meals:

•  In most cases, you do not need to reapply.
• Nottinghamshire County Council (referred to as the local authority) will check your eligibility automatically using the details already held and inform you of any changes to your FSM eligibility.
• In some cases, your child’s local authority may contact you to confirm your details.
• If you are unsure, please contact your Nottinghamshire County Council local authority for advice.

 

If your child does not currently receive free school meals

• You may now be eligible under the expanded criteria.
• You will need to apply through your local authority.

 

You can apply for free school meals here:

https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-meals/free-school-meals-and-milk  

 

 

 

Not sure?

If you are unsure whether you need to apply or if your circumstances have changed, please contact Nottinghamshire County Council here: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-meals/free-school-meals-and-milk  

 

They will be able to advise and support you.