We would like to inform you of important changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility that will come into effect from 1st September 2026.

The Government has announced that, from September 2026, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for a free school meal, regardless of household earnings. This is a significant expansion of the current eligibility criteria and is expected to help many more families access support.

What does this mean for families?

If you receive Universal Credit, your child may now be entitled to a free school meal from September 2026, even if your household income is above the previous earnings threshold.

Important changes for current recipients

The transitional protection arrangements that have been in place since 2018 will end in August 2026. This means that all existing free school meal eligibility will be reviewed under the new rules from September 2026. Some families whose circumstances have changed and who no longer meet the eligibility criteria may no longer qualify.

Why register for free school meals?

Pupils who are registered for free school meals will get healthy, nutritious and balanced food that helps make sure they’re ready to learn and thrive at school.

Registering your child for free school meals is also important because the school might receive extra ‘pupil premium’ funding from the government as a result – for each eligible pupil, the school will get an extra £1,550 in pupil premium funding in 2026/27.

You can find more information about pupil premium on our website here: https://www.mountnessing.essex.sch.uk/pupil-premium 

Even if your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 and already receives a Universal Infant Free School Meal, it is still important to register for benefits-related Free School Meals if you are eligible. Schools receive additional funding to support children's learning and wellbeing when eligible families register.

Is my child eligible for free school meals and pupil premium?

From September 2026, there will be 2 categories of free school meals:

1. Targeted FSM – your child may be eligible if you receive:

• Universal Credit and have an annual household income of £7,400 or less
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
• Your child might also qualify if you have no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

Pupils receiving targeted FSM:

• Can receive free school meals
• Will attract pupil premium funding for the school
•  May be eligible for other support, such as the Holiday Activities.

 

2. Expanded FSM – your child is eligible if you receive:

• Universal Credit and have an annual household income of over £7,400

Pupils receiving expanded FSM:

• Can receive free school meals
• Will not attract pupil premium funding for the school, nor be eligible for other support that’s based on targeted FSM

How do I register?

Please complete the form below and return to the school office.

We will run a check for you and let you know the outcome.