Implementing changes to free school meals
Updated 7 October 2026
Applies to England
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools-and-local-authorities/implementing-changes-to-free-school-meals
This document provides a summary of the changes to benefits-based free school meals (FSM) introduced at the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
For full details, read the free school meals: guidance for local authorities, local-authority-maintained schools, academies and free schools.
What has changed
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households receiving Universal Credit are entitled to a free school meal. Families must apply to receive this support.
Universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) continue to be available to all children in reception, year 1 and year 2, including those who are not eligible for benefits-based FSM. Transitional protections ended at the end of the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Schools and local authorities must now assess eligibility using a household’s current circumstances.
Targeted and expanded free school meals
There are 2 categories of benefits-based free school meals.
- Targeted free school meals apply to children who meet the criteria used before the expansion. These pupils receive a free meal and may qualify for other education entitlements and funding.
- Expanded free school meals apply to children from households receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the targeted criteria. These pupils are entitled to a free meal only.
Entitlements and funding linked to each category
| Entitlement or funding | Targeted FSM | Expanded FSM |
|---|---|---|
| Free meal | Yes | Yes |
| Pupil premium | Yes | No |
| Holiday activities and food programme | Yes | No |
| Extended rights home-to-school travel | Yes | No |
| Free school milk | Yes | No |
| Ever 6 | Yes | No |
Ever 6 refers to pupils who have been eligible for FSM at any point in the previous 6 years. It is used for funding purposes.
Actions for schools and local authorities
Schools and local authorities should take the following actions to implement the changes.
Raise awareness and support applications
- Make sure families understand the changes to FSM and support them to apply.
- Use the template letter about changes to free school meals eligibility to communicate the changes and collect the information needed to make eligibility checks.
Check eligibility
- Recheck eligibility for pupils who received FSM before the 2026 to 2027 academic year to confirm whether they qualify for targeted or expanded FSM.
- Support newly eligible families to apply for FSM and verify their entitlement.
- Encourage families whose children receive UIFSM to apply for benefits-based FSM. This may give them access to other support and attract additional funding for the school.
- Follow the separate arrangements for families with no recourse to public funds. Read the guidance on providing free school meals to families with no recourse to public funds, which has been updated with information on new income thresholds.
Record eligibility accurately
- Record each eligible pupil’s FSM category as targeted or expanded in the autumn school census by 2 November 2026.
- Make sure records are accurate so that the Department for Education (DfE) can calculate the correct funding for the school.
Further information
Schools that are unsure how to check eligibility should contact their local authority or ece.service@service.education.gov.uk for support.