Information about
Free School Meals
Many parents are eligible for Free School Meals for their children but are not registering to take up this opportunity. Make sure you – and your child – are not missing out!
“Free School Meals” refers to a meal provided to a child or young person during their lunch break, paid for through Government funding. Eligibility depends on your household circumstances and the benefits you receive.
Important: Changes from September 2026
From September 2026, the Government is introducing significant changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility. Under the new national criteria, all families in receipt of Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals, meaning more students will become eligible than ever before.
From September 2026, there will be two categories of benefit-related FSM:
1. Targeted Free School Meals
This category continues to be based on the existing income threshold. Students will be eligible if their household:
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Is in receipt of Universal Credit and has an annual household income of £7,400 or less.
Only students eligible for Targeted FSM will qualify for Pupil Premium funding and be eligible for extended access opportunities such as the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and extended school travel assistance.
2. Expanded Free School Meals
This new category applies to school meals only and covers students who:
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Live in households receiving Universal Credit and do not meet the income threshold for Targeted FSM (i.e. annual household income is above £7,400).
Pupils eligible for Expanded FSM will receive free school meals only. This category does not include Pupil Premium funding or extended access opportunities.
Do I need to apply?
If your child already receives FSM, or you have successfully applied in the past: you do not need to apply again. North Tyneside Council will automatically recheck your eligibility.
If you receive Universal Credit and have never applied for FSM before: you should apply now, as your child may be eligible under the expanded criteria.
Other qualifying benefits
You may also be eligible for free school meals if you receive any of the following:
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Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
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Child Tax Credit (provided you're not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
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Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
If your child is eligible for free school meals, they will remain eligible until they finish the phase of schooling they are in on 31 March 2026.
How to apply
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Online: Apply for free school meals | North Tyneside Council
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By telephone: call (0191) 643 2288 (you will need your National Insurance Number)
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By paper form: print and submit a paper application form