We would like to let you know about an important change to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility from September 2026.

The Government has announced that from September 2026, all children in England whose families receive Universal Credit will be entitled to a free school meal each day, regardless of household income.

At the moment, families must earn less than £7,400 per year (after tax, not including benefits) to qualify for benefits-related free school meals.

From September 2026, this income limit will be removed for families receiving Universal Credit, meaning more children will be eligible.

This change will begin at the start of the 2026–27 school year in September 2026

You must apply for Free School Meal entitlement, it isn’t automatic. You can do this using the following link

https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-meals/free-school-meals-and-milk