Families across North Tyneside are being encouraged to check whether they can now claim free school meals as new national eligibility rules come into effect from September 2026.
Under changes introduced by the Government, all children from households receiving Universal Credit who attend maintained schools, academies, free schools, and eligible nursery settings will now be entitled to receive free school meals.
Previously, eligibility was restricted to households receiving Universal Credit with annual earnings below £7,400.
The change means thousands more children nationally will become eligible for free school meals for the first time, helping to reduce costs for families while ensuring more children can access a healthy meal during the school day.
North Tyneside Council is now urging families who receive Universal Credit and whose children do not currently receive free school meals to check if they are eligible ahead of the new academic year if they haven’t already.
Parents and carers whose children are already receiving free school meals do not need to submit a new application. Their eligibility will be checked automatically by the North Tyneside Student Support Service.
Cllr Tracy Hallway, Cabinet Member for Education, Employability and Skills at North Tyneside Council, said: “We welcome this change, which will help more families across North Tyneside access free school meals and reduce the cost pressures many households continue to face."
"A healthy meal during the school day can make a real difference to a child's wellbeing, learning and ability to thrive at school. We want to make sure that every family who is entitled to this support receives it.
"If you receive Universal Credit and your child does not currently receive free school meals, I would encourage you to check your eligibility with our Student Support Service as soon as possible.”
Families found to be eligible from 1 June 2026 onwards will be entitled to receive provision throughout the 2026/27 academic year.
North Tyneside Student Support Service are carrying out eligibility checks on behalf of schools ahead of the start of the autumn term to ensure eligible pupils can receive free school meals from the beginning of the school year.
Families can check if their child is eligible for Free School Meals by contacting North Tyneside Student Support Service on 0191 643 2288 or by emailing Student.Support@northtyneside.gov.uk.