Free School Meals

Please see below for an explanation of how free school meals work, and for information on how to apply for free school meals.

Universal free school meals

All pupils in reception, year one, and year two are entitled to a free meal, without having to apply for this option.

Eligibility for free school meals

The government has made amendments to the eligibility criteria since April 2018. This is to reflect the introduction of Universal Credit.

PLEASE NOTE: Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
  • Universal Credit
    • Provided you have an annual net income of no more than £7,400
    • This is assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Income related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
    • Provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
  • Working Tax Credit run on
    • Paid four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
To apply for free school meals please follow this link: https://online.northumberland.gov.uk/citizenportal/form.aspx?form=free_school_meals