If you are already in receipt of Free School Meals, you do not need to reapply for September 2026. We are in the process of eligibility checking all applications and we will inform your child’s school if your claim will continue as FSM Targeted, FSM Expanded or whether your entitlement will end as you are no longer in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
As from 1st September 2026 the eligibility for Free School Meals will change, if you are a Sefton resident and in receipt of one of the following benefits you may be eligible for Free School Meals:-
- Universal Credit – income below £7400
- Universal Credit – income above £7400
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, there will be 2 categories for free school meals - Targeted and Expanded:
Eligible Targeted: this covers children in households in receipt of Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. These children will attract pupil premium and other funding available for their schools. Other entitlements, such as the holiday activities and food programme (HAF) and the ‘extended rights’ element of school travel assistance, will be based on targeted free school meals. This is equivalent to the current system.
Eligible Expanded: this covers children who are in households receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings above £7,400. Children will be entitled to free school meals only – they are not entitled to Pupil Premium or other extra’s that are linked to FSM eligibility.
How to make an application
If you are on a qualifying benefit as shown above and do not already receive free school meals, please make application as soon as possible by using the 'Do it online' link on this page.
Please don’t apply if your children are already in receipt of Free School Meals, however if you have a child starting school, please apply so we can ensure they are added to your current record.
Change of circumstances
Please let us know if you have moved address, your child moves school or your financial circumstances change.
Universal Free School Meals
For pupils who attend reception, year 1 or year 2. They are eligible to receive Free School Meals regardless of their parent’s income. You do not need to apply for Free School Meals and your school will write to you about this. However, if you are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, please apply so we can advise your school as they may be entitled to additional funding for your child.
What is Pupil Premium?
Pupil premium is extra funding and is provided by the government. This funding is to support your child’s education. If you or your partner is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, this can be claimed.
Please see the individual school's website for what this funding is used for.
Nursery/ Pre- school
If you or your partner is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits and your child attends a Nursery all day at least one day a week, they could be eligible for free school meals.
Post 16 (6th form)
You will be entitled to claim free school meals if your child is 16 or over and attending a school 6th form.
Post 16 (FE College)
You will need to speak to the college directly to see what their policy is regarding claiming free school meals.