Below you will find information about:

  • Universal Free School Meals (Reception to Year 2)

  • Eligibility criteria for Free School Meals (FSM) – September 2026 update: expanded to all households in receipt of Universal Credit – apply now

  • How to apply

Universal Free School Meals (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically entitled to a free school meal under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme.

You do not need to apply for this.

Please note: Free school meal vouchers are not automatically issued to pupils who are only entitled under the universal infant scheme.

Free School Meals (FSM) Who Can Apply?

Pupils may be eligible for free school meals if they, or their parents/carers, receive certain benefits.

Your child may qualify if you receive one or more of the following:

  • Universal Credit – September 2026: income threshold removed, now includes all children in households receiving Universal Credit

  • Income Support

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s 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 (with an annual gross income of £16,190 or less and not receiving Working Tax Credit)

  • Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying)

If you are unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

You can apply:

Online via the Northumberland County Council website.

By phone: 0345 600 6400 (Revenues and Benefits)

Revenues and Benefits

The information you provide will be used to check if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Your details will be checked securely. If further information is needed, the team will contact you directly.