Free School Meals
From 1 September 2026 — three levels of school meals. If you are an asylum seeker on Section 95 or an NRPF family — you already have the right to free meals. Register even if your child is in Reception–Y2: this unlocks Pupil Premium £1,550/year for the school.
Three levels of FSM — different rights
Important: the levels are NOT interchangeable. Expanded FSM (new from September 2026) gives ONLY meals. Targeted FSM gives meals + HAF + Pupil Premium + extended transport. Register for Targeted if you are eligible.
What it gives: free meal every day
What it does NOT give: HAF, Pupil Premium, extended transport
⚠ Important: even if your child gets UIFSM — register for Targeted FSM (if you are eligible). This unlocks Pupil Premium £1,550/year.
• Families on Section 95/98/4 asylum support
• Families on Universal Credit with income ≤ £7,400/year (after tax)
• Families on legacy benefits (Income Support, JSA, ESA — closed 31 March 2026, but existing rights continue)
• Families with NRPF — through a separate self-declaration form (thresholds below)
What it gives: meals + Pupil Premium £1,550/year (primary) / £1,100/year (secondary) + HAF (holidays) + extended transport
Basis: Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
What it gives: ONLY meals
❌ Does NOT give: HAF, Pupil Premium, extended transport
⚠ If you are on UC with income ≤ £7,400 — register for Targeted FSM (level 2), not Expanded.
«Hunger Gap» — what it is and who it affects
HAF (Holiday Activities and Food — meals and activities during school holidays) is linked only to Targeted FSM (level 2). From September 2026 about 500,000 families will get Expanded FSM (level 3) — but HAF is not available to them. If your child moved from Targeted to Expanded — check whether they lost HAF.
During holidays look for: Council discretionary schemes (call your council) · Local food banks · Feeding Britain (feedingbritain.org) · School trust funds
The Household Support Fund (HSF) ended on 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026 it was replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF). CRF does not provide automatic holiday vouchers — it is up to each council. Call your council and ask about available schemes.
If you are an asylum seeker — this route
- Contact the LA Education Access Team directly — not through the standard online form. Search: «[your area] LA education access team free school meals»
- Provide your NASS letter or ARC card — proof of Section 95/98 support
- The LA will check eligibility and register you — directly, without you filling in a form yourself
- Even if your child is in Reception–Y2 (UIFSM): still register separately — this activates Pupil Premium
If you are a refugee — use the standard online form at your child's school. Put Universal Credit or another qualifying benefit. If you live in London — the income thresholds are higher, check the table below.
If you have NRPF — income thresholds
Families with NRPF (limited status, no access to benefits) can get FSM through a separate self-declaration form. Income is counted as gross (before tax). Capital no more than £16,000.
| Number of children | Outside London | London |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | up to £22,700/year | up to £31,200/year |
| 2+ children | up to £26,300/year | up to £34,800/year |
Where to get the form: GOV.UK · FSM NRPF self-declaration guidance → Fill in the form and give it to the school — they will pass it to the LA.
Pupil Premium — how to activate it
- Register for Targeted FSM (level 2) — this starts the tracking
- The school receives the data and automatically includes Pupil Premium
- The money goes into the school budget — they must spend it on supporting your child (tutor, activities, trips)
- Ask the class teacher or SENCO: «How is Pupil Premium used for my child?»
Frequently asked questions
Who gets free school meals?
From September 2026: all children Reception–Y2 (Universal Infant FSM). Targeted FSM: families on Section 95/98, UC with income up to £7,400/year, NRPF. Expanded FSM from 1 September 2026: all UC families — only meals, no HAF or Pupil Premium.
How does an asylum seeker apply for FSM?
Not through the standard online form — contact the LA Education Access Team directly. Give your NASS letter or ARC card.
What is HAF and who gets it?
HAF (meals and activities during holidays) — only for Targeted FSM. Expanded FSM (from September 2026) does NOT give HAF. 500,000 new FSM families may not know about it.
What does Pupil Premium give and how do you activate it?
Pupil Premium £1,550 (primary) / £1,100 (secondary) per year — money for the school to support your child. Only through Targeted FSM. UIFSM without registration for benefits FSM does NOT give Pupil Premium.
What is the NRPF route for FSM?
Families with NRPF — separate self-declaration form. Thresholds: outside London 1 child £22,700/year, 2+ £26,300; London £31,200 / £34,800. Capital up to £16,000.