Important Updates to Free School Meals for September 2026 – Are you now eligible?

There are important national updates from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding Free School Meals (FSM) starting from the new academic year in September 2026.

These changes mean that many more families will now qualify for free meals, while the system for checking existing claims is changing.

What is changing?

• Expanded Eligibility (Good News!): The government has expanded the scheme.
  From September 2026, all families in receipt of Universal Credit are now entitled to receive free school meals. If you were previously told you earned too much to qualify under Universal Credit, you will now be eligible.
• Ending of "Transitional Protections": Previous national protections that allowed children to automatically keep their free school meals when financial circumstances changed are ending. Local authorities are now required to
  re-check existing claims against current income criteria.

What do you need to do?

1. If your child DOES NOT currently receive Free School Meals, but you receive Universal Credit:

You must apply now. Because the rules have expanded, you are likely now eligible. Applying not only provides free meals for your child but also unlocks vital extra funding (Pupil Premium) for school to support your child’s education.

2. If your child ALREADY receives Free School Meals:

You do not need to fill out a new application. The local authority where your child goes to school is currently reviewing existing claims using the data they already hold to confirm ongoing eligibility for September. You only need to take action if the council contacts you directly to say your entitlement has changed.

How to apply (for new applicants):

Please note: Applications must be made to the Local Authority where your child's school is located, regardless of where you live.

• If your child's school is in Hull: Apply via Hull City Council
• If your child's school is in the East Riding: Apply via East Riding of Yorkshire Council
• If your child's school is in North Yorkshire: Apply via North Yorkshire Council

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR EAST RIDING APPLICATIONS: Unlike other councils, East Riding of Yorkshire Council does not automatically notify schools when a child becomes newly eligible. If your application through the East Riding portal is successful, you MUST inform the school main office and provide a copy/screenshot of your confirmation. We cannot activate your child's free meals until we see this.

If you have any questions, or if you are unsure which Local Authority applies to your child's school, please contact the school’s main office, where the team will be happy to help you.