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<p>Under this government, eligibility for free school meals (FSM) has been extended
several times, and to more groups of children than any other government over the past
half century. Our analysis in 2018 estimated that extending eligibility to all families
on Universal Credit would result in almost half of all school pupils becoming entitled
to FSM. We think it is important that FSM support is targeted at those that need it
most, and FSM is an integral part of our provision for families on low incomes, and
our wider actions to promote social mobility.</p><p>In 2018, the government introduced
new eligibility criteria for families on Universal Credit, following a consultation
in 2017. It is estimated that this will be more generous in its reach by 2022, in
comparison to the legacy benefit system. Further to this we included generous protections,
which mean any family eligible for FSM transitioning to Universal Credit from a legacy
benefit will continue to have access to FSM even if they move above the earnings threshold.</p>
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