Free school meals

Universal Infant Free School Meals

All pupils in Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to universal infant free school meals. This means they are entitled to a school meal each day at no cost. 

However, it is still very important to apply for Free School Meals if you are eligible, as this can provide your child/ren with additional funding to support learning and enable your family to access holiday food vouchers and other support.

Free School Meals

If you receive benefits or have a low income, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

Expanded Eligibility from September 2026

From September 26, all children from households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for Free School Meals, regardless of household income.

There will be two categories of Free School Meals:
 

• Targeted FSM
Students with household earnings of £7,400 or less (these students will continue to attract 
Pupil Premium and other associated funding, such as the Fit and Fed scheme)
• Expanded FSM
Students in receipt of Universal Credit above this threshold (meal entitlement only)
 

At present, your child may be eligible for targeted Free School Meals if your household receives any of the following:

· Universal Credit with an annual income of less than £7,400

· income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

· the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

· Support under the provisions for families with No Recourse to Public Funds set out in separate guidance for families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)

Benefits of Targeted Free School Meals

Applying for targeted Free School Meals can provide additional support for your child and their school including:

· Pupil Premium funding for your child’s school · Access to support programmes such as the Fit and Fed scheme

· Potential access to holiday food vouchers and other assistance

Please note that although all Universal Credit recipients will become eligible, an application must still be submitted to receive the benefit.

How to Apply

Plymouth residents

You can check your eligibility by completing an online form through Plymouth City Council. The link is: 

https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Email fsm@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 307410 for more information.