Apply for free school meals

You can apply online for free school meals on the basis of your income if you meet the criteria below. If your application is successful, the school(s) that your child(ren) attend will be informed and will be awarded additional funding. It will also mean that your child retains eligibility for free school meals for longer. If you are eligible, your child will remain eligible until at least 31 March 2025.

If you are applying for free school meals for your child starting Reception in September -  do not apply until after the summer term finishes in July

The government has extended free school meal eligibility to include some families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) who receive support under Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 part VI (opens new window).

Refer to section 'Families with no recourse to public funds' below for information or contact us on 0191 433 3729 or at benefitsfsm@gateshead.gov.uk