From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the Department for Education are expanding FSM eligibility to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings.
A pupil is only eligible to receive a FSM where both:
- the parent or carer has applied for FSMs
- their eligibility has been checked and confirmed by the school where they are enrolled or by the local authority
FSMs are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Households may also be entitled to a meal if they:
- are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- meet criteria set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds
Following the eligibility changes there are now 2 types of FSM criteria:
- Targeted FSM
- Expanded FSM
Targeted FSM
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less (the existing threshold for FSM prior to the expansion), will be eligible for targeted FSM.
In addition to receiving free meals, pupils eligible for targeted FSM will attract pupil premium and other disadvantage funding for their schools.
Expanded FSM
Children from households in receipt of Universal Credit, with annual household earnings exceeding £7,400 will be entitled to expanded FSM (meals only).
What you need to do next
If your child gets FSMs now, or you think that they should, please fill out the form provided by your child’s school and return it to your child’s school or if you wish to apply online you can find the relevant links for most schools on our how to apply for free school meals page.
If you require a form to complete you can contact your school directly who will confirm how to apply, or email: businesssupportschoolservices@york.gov.uk to request a form.
If you have children at more than 1 school
If your children go to different schools, you will need to complete a form or apply online for each school.
If you have more than 1 child at the same school
You only need to complete the form once per school, even if you have more than one child at the school.
Once the school has your form, the school or the council can check whether your child can get FSMs from September 2026.
If your child is starting a new school in September 2026
If your child is starting reception or Junior School or Year 7 this September, your new school will let you know how to apply for FSMs.
Please check with school whether their FSM applications are made through the council or through the school.
If your school does not sign up for the City of York Council eligibility scheme, the school may require you to apply for FSMs direct to them or to their provider.
Universal infant free school meals
Children in reception, year 1 and year 2 will continue to be entitled to free meals, regardless of the earnings or benefit status of their households.
This support is made available under the Universal Infant Free School Meal (UIFSM) programme.
Holiday activities and food
A range of holiday activity schemes will be available for children and young people during the Christmas, Easter and Summer school holidays.
The holiday activities and food page outlines some of these schemes.
Also see
Benefits appointments
Contact us for an appointment to get benefits advice in person at West Offices.