Who is eligible for Free School Meals?
All children who are at school, whose parents are eligible and claiming UNIVERSAL CREDIT BENEFITS:
- From September 2026 onwards, to qualify for Free School Meals your household must be receiving Universal Credit to be entitled, regardless of the household income. There will be two types of Free School Meals:
- Targeted Free School Meals – for families under current £7,400 income threshold. This also helps schools receive extra funding (Pupil Premium).
- Expanded Free School Meals – for families receiving Universal Credit above the threshold. Children will still receive a free meal, but schools will not receive additional funding.
- The Pupil Premium will only be awarded to your school if you apply for Free School Meals, and are under the income threshold of £7400.
- Please note your child is not required to have the Free School Meals if they prefer a packed lunch.
All parents should apply using the online form via website. www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeal
The EWB team will check FSM eligibility and inform the school of entitlement for the whole school year. At the start of each school year, this entitlement will be reassessed.
When do I apply?
Please apply by September 2026, or as soon as you become eligible under the above criteria. Educational Welfare Benefits Team will inform you of confirmed entitlement and when it will start.
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil Premium is additional funding given to schools to help raise the attainment of pupils. It is paid to schools according to the number of pupils who have been: Registered as eligible for Targeted Free School Meals from September 2026.
How is Pupil Premium used?
The funding can be used for a range of interventions including: help with costs of school trips, music fees, teaching assistant staff, after school programmes, equipment. To find out more about how this funding is used at your child’s school, please contact the school or visit the school website.
