Free School Meal Eligibility – Updated Guidance 01/09/2026

TARGETED FREE SCHOOL MEALS (CURRENT ENTITLEMENT)

Your child may be eligible for Targeted FSM if you receive any of the following:

• Universal Credit with a household income of less than £7,400 a year (after tax, not including benefits)

 • Income Support

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

 • Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit) with an annual income of less than £16,190

 • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)

EXPANDED FREE SCHOOL MEALS (NEW ENTITLEMENT)

The government has introduced Expanded FSM to support more families. Your child may be eligible if:

 • Your household receives Universal Credit and your annual take-home pay is between £7,400 and £18,000

• You are in work but on a low income and meet the new income thresholds set by the government

• You receive other forms of support that place your household within the expanded income band

Expanded FSM aims to ensure that more children have access to a nutritious meal during the school day. If you fall within this income range, we strongly encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY The application process is quick, confidential, and completed online. If you need help with the form or access to a device, please contact the school office and we will be happy to assist.

https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims-tameside