Overview

In this section:

Find out about free school meals, menus, and grants to help with school essentials.

Help with school meals and school costs

You may be able to get help with the cost of school meals and other essentials. There are three main types of support:

Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM)

What it means: Free school meals for all full-time primary school pupils in Wales.
Who gets it: Every child in full-time primary school, regardless of income.
Do you need to apply? No. Your child will automatically get these meals.
Important: UPFSM does not give you access to the School Essentials Grant. To get extra help with school costs you will need to apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM), even if your child receives UPFSM).

Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM)

What it means: Free school meals based on your household income or benefits.
Who gets it: Children who are full-time in primary or secondary school whose families meet certain criteria.
Do you need to apply? Yes. Even if your child already gets Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM), you should apply for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) to unlock extra support.
Why apply? If you qualify, you’ll also get access to the School Essentials Grant.

School Essentials Grant

What it means: A payment to help with school costs like uniform, shoes, sports kit, and equipment.
Who gets it: Families whose children are of compulsory school age and qualify for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) and children looked after.
How much: £200 for children entering Year 7, £125 for all other school years (Reception - Year 11).
Do you need to apply? Yes. You automatically apply at the same time as Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM).
Important: You only need to do one application for both eFSM and the School Essentials Grant.

Why it’s worth applying

Even if your child already gets Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) in primary school, applying for Eligible Free School Meals (eFSM) can give you access to:

The School Essentials Grant (to help with uniform, kit, and more)
Extra funding for your child’s school to support their learning
Free school meals in secondary school

Comparison table

Feature	UPFSM (Universal)	eFSM (Eligible)
Who gets it?	All full-time primary pupils	Based on income/benefits
Application needed?	No	Yes
Available in secondary school?	No	Yes
Unlocks School Essentials Grant?	No	Yes

Check if you’re eligible

Apply for Eligible Free School Meals and the School Essentials Grant

Help with school meals and costs