Eligibility explained

You may qualify for free school meals (FSM) and other help if you receive certain benefits or support. You must apply for free school meals.

From September 2026, there are two types of entitlement:

• Targeted: you receive Universal Credit and earn under £7,400 a year or another qualifying benefit: your children are entitled to FSM and extra support for their school
• Expanded: you receive Universal Credit and earn above £7,400: your children are entitled to FSM only

The qualifying benefits are:

• Universal Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) may also be eligible.

Read more about the changes from September 2026: Understand Free school meals eligibility changes from September 2026 (PDF, 154 KB)

Universal infant free school meals

All children attending Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).

If you think you might be eligible for benefit related FSM, you should still apply as you may be able to help your child's school get extra funds (called Pupil Premium). This Government funding can help with extra tuition, teaching and after school activities.

If you already receive free school meals

If you are a Norfolk resident already in receipt of benefits related Free School Meals you do not need to reapply, as we will recheck eligibility before the start of each school year. If your child moves or your situation changes, contact us or the school.

Children in Year 3 or above

If your child is in Year 3 or above, you must receive one of the qualifying benefits listed to get benefit-related Free School Meals.

 Apply Free School Meals