Free school meals
Apply for free school meals
The easiest and quickest way to apply is online using Norfolk Education Online (NEO). You can use the same NEO account to apply for 2-year-old childcare funding and school admissions.
You can also download and send us an application form (Word doc, 56 KB) or collect it from your child's school.
If your children attend different schools, apply separately to each.
Children of foreign nationals
Families with British National (Overseas) status and families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) are entitled to apply for Free School Meals by completing the NRPF Free School Meals application.
Apply for NRPF free school meals. (Word doc, 50 KB)
Eligibility explained
You may qualify for free school meals (FSM) and other help if you receive certain benefits or support. You must apply for free school meals.
From September 2026, there are two types of entitlement:
- Targeted: you receive Universal Credit and earn under £7,400 a year or another qualifying benefit: your children are entitled to FSM and extra support for their school
- Expanded: you receive Universal Credit and earn above £7,400: your children are entitled to FSM only
The qualifying benefits are:
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) may also be eligible.
Read more about the changes from September 2026: Understand Free school meals eligibility changes from September 2026 (PDF, 154 KB)
Benefits valid until the end of the 2025 to 2026 school year
In addition, families may apply with the following qualifying benefits until the end of the current 2025-26 school year:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
These benefits will not qualify from the 2026 to 2027 school year onwards (from September 2026).
Universal infant free school meals
All children attending Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically receive Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM).
If you think you might be eligible for benefit related FSM, you should still apply as you may be able to help your child's school get extra funds (called Pupil Premium). This Government funding can help with extra tuition, teaching and after school activities.
If you already receive free school meals
If you are a Norfolk resident already in receipt of benefits related Free School Meals you do not need to reapply, as we will recheck eligibility before the start of each school year. If your child moves or your situation changes, contact us or the school.
Children in Year 3 or above
If your child is in Year 3 or above, you must receive one of the qualifying benefits listed to get benefit-related Free School Meals.
Nursery children
If your child is attending a nursery school, they must be in a maintained school nursery as a registered pupil at the school, your child must be in receipt of education before and after lunch on the same day and you must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit to be entitled.
Frequently asked questions
What happens after I have applied for free school meals?
If you are eligible for Free School Meals we'll email or write to you to let you know. We'll also tell your child's school. If we need more information about your application, we'll contact you.
We will recheck your children's eligibility before the start of each school year, so you do not need to reapply.
What happens if my child moves schools?
If your child moves schools within Norfolk, they will continue to receive Free School Meals if they are still eligible.
If your child is moving to or from a school outside Norfolk, you will need to apply to the county council where the new school is.
What if I always home-school my child?
Children who are normally home-schooled are not eligible for Free School Meals. This includes both Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) and families who receive qualifying benefits for benefit-related Free School Meals.
If you home-school your children and are in hardship, apply for support via Crisis and Resilience Service (CRS).
Paying for school meals
If you pay for school meals, go to your child's school website for cost, menu and payment information.
School milk
If the local authority runs the school (known as a maintained school), they must offer milk during school hours. This includes all maintained:
- Primary schools
- Infant schools
- Junior schools
- Secondary schools
Children aged 5-11-years-old can buy a standard carton of milk.
Help with living costs
Families who are eligible for free school meals may have received Edenred vouchers in the past to help with the cost of living. These vouchers were part of a national scheme that ended in March 2026, so parents will no longer automatically receive cost of living vouchers.
If you're struggling with food, energy or other essential costs, you can apply for support through Norfolk's Crisis and Resilience Fund.
This fund can provide:
- Help with urgent costs like food or energy
- Practical support if you're facing financial difficulties
- Advice and support to help you manage money and plan ahead.
Support is based on need, so you can apply even if you haven't had help before. Find out more and apply www.norfolk.gov.uk/crs or call 0344 800 8020.
