Could your child be entitled to Free School Meals?

From September 2026, the Government expanded Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility in England.

All children from households receiving Universal Credit are now entitled to Free School Meals, regardless of household earnings. Families still need to apply so that their eligibility can be checked and their child registered for Free School Meals. 

Children may also qualify under other benefit-related eligibility criteria.

Universal Infant Free School Meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools are entitled to a free school lunch through the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

However, we strongly encourage families who receive Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits to still register for benefits-related Free School Meals, even if their child is already receiving a free meal because they are in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2.

This is particularly important because, under the new arrangements, there are different categories of FSM eligibility and some categories continue to be linked to additional support and funding, including Pupil Premium. The expanded entitlement for Universal Credit households earning above the previous £7,400 threshold provides the free meal but does not automatically attract the same linked entitlements as Targeted FSM. 

Important changes from September 2026

The previous rules included a Universal Credit earnings threshold of £7,400 per year. From September 2026, this earnings limit no longer prevents a child from receiving a Free School Meal if their household receives Universal Credit.

The new system distinguishes between:

Targeted FSM
This includes eligible lower-income families and continues to be linked to other support, including Pupil Premium and relevant additional entitlements.

Expanded FSM
Children from households receiving Universal Credit who do not meet the Targeted FSM income criteria can still receive a Free School Meal, but this expanded category does not itself attract Pupil Premium or the other linked entitlements associated with Targeted FSM. 

Therefore, we encourage all families receiving Universal Credit to apply, even if they have previously been told that their income was too high to qualify.

How to apply

If you think your child may be eligible for Free School Meals, please visit the school office and request support with your application.

If your circumstances have changed, or you have not previously applied because your household income was above the old Universal Credit threshold, please consider making an application under the new criteria.

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Free School Meals for families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

The Government has permanently extended Free School Meal eligibility to children in households with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), subject to maximum household income and capital/savings thresholds. 

Eligible groups include, but are not limited to, children of:

• Zambrano carers
• families with NRPF who have a right to remain in the UK on the grounds of private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
• families receiving support under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 who are also subject to an NRPF restriction
• certain failed asylum seekers supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Chen carers
• families holding a British National (Overseas), or BN(O), passport
• spousal visa holders
• work visa holders
• student visa holders
• people with no immigration status. 

NRPF income thresholds

For families who are able to work, the current maximum annual household income thresholds are:

Family circumstances	Maximum annual household income
Outside London, 1 child	£22,700
Outside London, 2 or more children	£26,300
Within London, 1 child	£31,200
Within London, 2 or more children	£34,800

As Stechford is outside London, the £22,700 / £26,300 thresholds will normally be the relevant figures for our families.

In addition to the income threshold, NRPF families must have no more than £16,000 in capital and savings. 

How to apply if you have No Recourse to Public Funds

If you believe your child may qualify under the NRPF criteria, please contact the school office. We can provide the appropriate application form and support you with the process.

Families may be asked to provide information or evidence relating to their immigration status and household income so that eligibility can be verified. The Department for Education also provides a self-declaration/application form for this purpose. 

For further information, please see the Government's guidance on Free School Meals for families with No Recourse to Public Funds.