Hartlepool lets you apply for free school meals online, and the council also checks some children automatically if they’re eligible. If you want to submit a claim, use the online application here: Apply for free school meals.
| How to apply | Details |
|---|---|
| Online application | Apply for free school meals |
| Automatic enrolment | Hartlepool can automatically award free school meals where eligibility is confirmed through data matching |
| What happens next | Your claim is processed as soon as possible after a valid application, and you’ll be notified by post |
| If you don’t want auto-enrolment | Email benefits@hartlepool.gov.uk with your full name and address |
| Important note | Free school meals cannot be backdated, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible |
If your household gets Council Tax Support, Hartlepool will check eligibility automatically using the Eligibility Checking Service. Eligible children are enrolled and the school is notified, so there’s nothing else you need to do unless you want to opt out.