Free School Meals
Who is eligible for free school meals and how to apply for them.
Changes from September 2026
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free meal.
Going forward, there will be 2 categories of benefits-based free school meals:
- Targeted FSM, which continues to be based on the existing threshold, covering pupils who are in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. Eligible pupils will recieve free school meals and school milk if requested. School will also recieve Pupil Premium Funding.
- Expanded FSM, a new category covering pupils who do not qualify for targeted FSM, but who are in households receiving Universal Credit. Eligible pupils will recieve free school meals only.
Who is eligible for free school meals?
Children and young people can apply for free school meals if they attend a Kirklees school, attend school full time and are of statutory school age.
Their parents or carers must receive one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Are in receipt of income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Meet criteria for families with no recourse to public funds
Please click on the link below to find out more;
https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/schools/free-school-meals.aspx
Email: freeschoolmeals@kirklees.gov.uk
or visit their webpage using the link below: