Free School Meals
Free School Meals - September 2026 changes
This information reflects the current national position based on Government guidance. We will update this page as more details become available.
The Government has announced changes to Free School Meals (FSM) from September 2026. These changes may affect your child's entitlement.
What is changing?
From September 2026, all children whose families receive Universal Credit will be entitled to Free School Meals.
There will be two categories depending on household income:
- Targeted Free School Meals
For families receiving Universal Credit with yearly household earnings of £7,400 or less.
Children in this group will continue to receive additional support, such as extended school travel assistance (where applicable). - Expanded Free School Meals
For families receiving Universal Credit with earnings above £7,400.
Children in this group will still receive a Free School Meal each day. If your child currently receives extended school travel assistance, this will continue for the 2026/27 academic year.
Who is eligible?
From September 2026, more children are expected to become eligible.
Free School Meals will be available to pupils whose parents or carers receive one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
A child will only receive Free School Meals where:
- An application has been made, and
- Eligibility has been confirmed by the school or the local authority
Some households may also be eligible if they:
- Receive 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
Changes to existing entitlement
Since April 2018, transitional protection has meant that children have continued to receive Free School Meals even if family circumstances changed (meaning once a child became eligible. This protection will end at the end of the 2025/26 school year (July 2026).
What this means for your child
If your child currently receives Free School Meals, their eligibility will be reassessed before September 2026.
Your child will fall into one of the following groups:
- Continue to receive Free School Meals and additional support (Targeted FSM)
- Continue to receive Free School Meals only (Expanded FSM)
- No longer be eligible for Free School Meals
If your child is no longer eligible, you will need to pay for school meals or provide a packed lunch from September 2026.
Applications and re-applications
Sunderland uses an online Free School Meals portal to apply.
- The system is currently being updated in line with new Government guidance
- Applications are not currently open
- The portal is expected to be available from early July 2026
Once available, families will be able to:
- Apply if they think their child will become eligible from September 2026
- Reapply if they disagree with their child's eligibility decision
