Changes to Free School Meal (FSM) Allocations - August 2026

Dear Parents and Carers

Free school meals (FSM) are changing from the beginning of September 2026. From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will be eligible for free school meals. This is regardless of household income.

Children currently receiving FSM must continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This will be confirmed through a recheck. You MUST re-apply.

Those who remain eligible will continue to receive FSM 

From 1st August 2026, All parents should apply using the online form via website. www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals. The Education Welfare Benefits (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.

Please see the attached information for further details.

• Information and Guidance for all parents
• Information and Guidance for all parents of children starting in Reception
• Information and Guidance for all parents of children going into Year 3 (If your child has only been on Universal Free School Meals (UIFSM) under the government policy for all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. We recommend you apply for FSM to check entitlement under the new FSM criteria after 1st August 2026. www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals)

If you are eligible for free school meals, you will normally receive either a Targeted or Expanded award.

• Targeted means that the school qualifies to receive additional funding called Pupil Premium
• Expanded means you only receive free school meals, with no extra funding for the school

You can contact the Council’s Education Welfare Benefits Team for information about applications for free school meals and benefits which support children financially while at school.

Email: ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01223 703 200