Since September 2014, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools in England have been eligible for Free School Meals. This scheme is called Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).
Children in Year 3 or above do not receive UIFSM and parents will need to pay for their child(ren)’s school meals unless they are eligible for FSM funding.
Changes to Free School Meals from the 2026/27 academic year
Please find information below regarding the latest updates to the national Free School Meals rules set by the Department for Education.
Since 2018, some children have continued receiving free school meals even when their family’s circumstances have changed and no longer met the standard eligibility rules. This temporary protection was introduced to provide stability during wider changes to the benefits system. The temporary protection ended nationally at the end of the 2025/26 school year.
Going forward, eligibility for Free School Meals will instead be based on a household’s current circumstances.
Am I eligible for FSM?
You may be eligible to apply if you are in receipt of Universal Credit.
Please note:
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit and your household earnings are £7400 or less, then you are entitled to Targeted Free School Meals. This means that in addition to your child receiving a Free School Meal, the school will be eligible for additional funding (called The Pupil Premium), which will be used to support your child (or children's) educational provision.
Moreover, children of parents or guardians receiving the following benefits may also be eligible (supporting evidence will be required).
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit (This will typically be a Pension Credit M1000 Award Notice)
What this means for your child?
If our records indicate that your household does not currently meet the eligibility criteria, your child will no longer receive Free School Meals.
We understand that this may be disappointing news, particularly if your child has received Free School Meals for some time. However, under the new arrangements, eligibility is assessed based on a household’s current circumstances, and whether you are receiving Universal Credit.
What should you do next?
If you are receiving Universal Credit, or think your circumstances may have changed, come and speak to us, in the first instance.
You should then contact The Cambridgeshire County Council Free School Meal Team so that they can review your entitlement.
If you think the information they hold about your circumstances is incorrect or out of date, please let them know as soon as possible.
We know that circumstances can change over time. If your household starts receiving Universal Credit in the future, you can contact the FSM Team to reapply for support. You will begin receiving free meals again once they confirm that you are receiving Universal Credit.
Would like more information?