The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a new rule that will extend free school meals (FSM) to all children in households receiving Universal Credit, starting from the 2026 to 2027 academic year. The change, which follows the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, introduces two categories of benefits-based FSM: Targeted FSM and Expanded FSM.
Targeted FSM continues to apply to pupils in households with annual earnings of £7,400 or less, while Expanded FSM covers pupils who do not meet that threshold but are in Universal Credit households. The Labour government stated: “We have made this a legal requirement through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 and intend to lay additional regulations extending this duty to maintained nursery schools.”
Annual rechecks and October census
Schools and local authorities must monitor FSM eligibility on an ongoing basis, with annual rechecks required. The DWP said: “Going forward FSM eligibility should be monitored by schools and local authorities on an ongoing basis, through annual rechecks.” Rechecks must confirm that pupils meet the criteria and determine their category, either targeted or expanded.
Checks must be completed ahead of the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, before the autumn term, so that all eligible pupils can receive FSM from day one. Pupils will not attract FSM funding if they do not have a valid recheck before the October census each year. This includes children currently using early years provision or due to start from September 2026.
Government funding and support
The expansion is backed by over £1 billion and will benefit an additional 500,000 children, according to a Department for Education spokesperson. They said: “Families up and down the country are feeling the pressure of the cost of living. That’s why this Government is proud to give free school meals to every child from a household on universal credit, alongside expanding childcare and rolling out free breakfast clubs across the country.”
The spokesperson added: “This is a historic step, backed by over £1 billion, and it means 500,000 more children will benefit. We’re working closely with schools and councils to make sure every eligible family knows about it. So if you’re a parent and you’re not sure whether your child qualifies – just ask the school.”
Concerns from campaign groups
Kate Anstey, head of education policy at the Child Poverty Action Group, welcomed the wider eligibility but warned of implementation challenges. She said: “Our survey shows wider eligibility for free school meals will give hard-up families some badly-needed breathing space. But September is only weeks away and our new analysis shows the DWP and DfE have left the job half done.”
She added: “With so many families struggling, it’s on Government to ensure the country’s children get what little help is available.” Schools will need to work with local authorities to carry out the checks using the digital system provided by the Department for Education, ensuring all eligible pupils are ready for the autumn term.
