Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) in England

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are offered a daily free school meal under the Government's UIFSM scheme, regardless of household income and background. You do not need to do anything for this. 

Free School Meals (FSM)

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

• Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be £7,400 a year or less (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• the guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

Your child may also get free school meals if you get any of these benefits and your child is both:

• younger than the compulsory age for starting school
• in full-time education

From the start of academic year 2026 to 2027, your child will qualify for free school meals if you get Universal Credit, regardless of household income. If you do not qualify for most benefits (also known as having ‘no recourse to public funds’), your child may still be eligible for free school meals. 

Please use the following link to apply for FSM https://forms.torbay.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals