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Free school meals (FSM): who's eligible?

Get to grips with the eligibility criteria for free school meals (FSM), and learn about the transitional protections in place during the Universal Credit rollout period.

Last reviewed on 16 June 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 3930
Contents
  1. Eligibility criteria
  2. Transitional protections during Universal Credit rollout 
  3. FSM for families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)
  4. FSM for eligible post-16 students
  5. Work with your LA to check eligibility

Eligibility criteria

A child may be eligible for free school meals (FSM) if their parents receive any of the following benefits:

Children may also get FSM if they receive any of these benefits directly, instead of through