Changes to Free School Meals from September 2026: What Parent Carers Need to Know
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From September 2026, the Government is making important changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility in England. These changes are designed to widen access for families, especially those receiving Universal Credit. Below is a summary of what’s changing and what it means for you and your child.
All Families on Universal Credit Will Qualify for Free School Meals
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, every child in a household receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to a free school meal, no matter how much the family earns.
This is a major change from the current system, where families had to earn £7,400 or
less to qualify.
Two Types of Free School Meal Eligibility
The Government is introducing two categories:
• Targeted FSM
o For families on Universal Credit earning £7,400 or less.
o Includes free meals plus additional support such as Pupil Premium, Holiday Activities and Food (known as FUEL in Wiltshire), and extended rights for school travel.
• Expanded FSM
o For families on Universal Credit earning above £7,400.
o Includes free meals only (no Pupil Premium or linked entitlements).
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will continue to receive free meals automatically under the Universal Infant Free School Meals policy.
Transitional Protections Are Ending
Since 2018, some children have kept their free school meal entitlement even if their family circumstances changed. These protections ended in July 2026.
From September 2026:
• Children will only receive FSM if they meet the new criteria.
• Families not on Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit may lose eligibility.
• Schools and councils will carry out new eligibility checks between 1st June and 1st October 2026.
Do Parent Carers Need to Do Anything?
Most families won’t need to reapply, as schools and local authorities will check eligibility automatically.
However, you may need to take action if:
• Your child currently receives FSM under transitional protection.
• Your household does not receive Universal Credit.
• You think you may now qualify under the expanded rules.
If in doubt, your school or local authority can confirm your child’s status.
Key Dates to Remember
End of July 2026 - Transitional protections end
1 June – 1 October 2026 - Schools carry out new eligibility checks.
September 2026 - New FSM rules begin; all UC households qualify.
There is more information about Free School Meals, eligibility and how to apply on the
[Wiltshire Council website].
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