Key Information
Free School Meals

Text

Text

Who is Eligible for Free School Meals (FSM)?

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

  • Universal Credit and your household has an annual net earned income of £7,400 or less (after tax and not including benefits).

  • Income Support.

  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).

  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit.

  • Child Tax Credit (provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income is no more than £16,190).

  • Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

 

Important Information

  • Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive a free school meal through the government's Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) scheme. However, families who meet the criteria above should still apply for Free School Meals as this can enable the school to receive additional Pupil Premium funding.

  • Eligibility is assessed by your local authority using information provided during the application process.

  • If your child becomes eligible for Free School Meals, they may also attract Pupil Premium funding for the school, helping to fund additional support, resources and opportunities.

 

How to Check Eligibility

  1. Visit your local authority's Free School Meals application website.

  2. Complete the online eligibility check.

  3. Provide your National Insurance Number or National Asylum Support Service (NASS) number if requested.

  4. The local authority will verify your eligibility and notify both you and the school of the outcome.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply or contact the school office for advice. Even if your child is already receiving a meal through Universal Infant Free School Meals, registering your eligibility can help secure additional funding and support for the school.

Note: The eligibility criteria above apply to state-funded schools in England and are based on current Department for Education guidance. Local authorities administer the application process on behalf of schools.