FREE SCHOOL MEALS (FSM) CHANGES

Important Information for Parents and Carers

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Changes from September 2026

Free School Meals (FSM) are changing from 1 September 2026. These changes may affect your child.

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What you need to know

• Government changes were announced on 8 May 2026

• Current FSM protections will end on 31 August 2026

• Eligibility will need to be re-checked before 1 September 2026 (and regularly going forwards)

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Check your eligibility

Sheffield City Council will review FSM eligibility. This applies to:

 Pupils currently receiving FSM

 Families applying for the first time

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Who is entitled to Free School Meals?

You may be eligible if you receive:

• Universal Credit:

o With an income of £7,400 or less = Free meals + extra school funding

o An income above £7,400 = Free meals

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Pension Credit (guaranteed element)

• Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• No recourse to public funds (NRPF)

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Apply now - don’t miss out

If you think you qualify and your child is not currently receiving FSM, apply online at https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/schools-childcare/school/school-meals.

(You do not need to apply if you are already receiving income-based free school meals in a Sheffield school - we will be in touch if anything has changed).

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Current arrangements

All existing FSM support will continue until 31 August 2026.

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More information

Further updates will be shared before September 2026. If you need help, please contact your school.