THOUSANDS of struggling families can get cost of living support worth up to £75 this February half term.
The cash support is available through the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF).
1
In October, the government extended the scheme for the sixth time, providing £421million to be distributed among councils.
The funding is being allocated to those in need from now until April 2025.
Every local authority decides how to spend the money, so help can vary depending on where you live.
You may be able to get free cash payments or supermarket vouchers.
Several councils have set aside funding to help low-income families during the half-term break.
This can be vital as costs often increase when children are not in school.
Here we reveal all of the help available and how to apply for support.
If your council is not listed but you are struggling to make ends meet then you contact it to see if any help is available.
You may be eligible if your child is on benefit-related free school meals or you are struggling financially.
Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council is handing out supermarket vouchers worth £15 to families with children who receive benefit-related free school meals this half term.
Households can get £15 per eligible child, so if you have three children who all qualify for free school meals then you will receive £75.
The money is issued by your children’s school so you will need to get in touch with them directly for more information.
Around £5.2million has been allocated to Surrey County Council in the sixth round of Household Support Funding.
Royal Borough of Greenwich
All children who currently claim means-tested free school meals in Royal Greenwich schools will qualify for a household support payment.
Household Support Fund explained
Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.
If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.
The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.
Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.
Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.
In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.
Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.
Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.
The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.
And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.
Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.
The council will make payments of £15 per child for the February half term.
Eligible households will also get £30 per child for the Easter holiday.
Eligibility is confirmed through schools.
You should be contacted by text message or email to tell you how you will receive the payment.
To apply contact the council or your children’s school.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Families based in the East Riding of Yorkshire whose children receive free school meals are eligible for extra vouchers over the school holidays.
The £15 voucher will be issued by your child’s school.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it was spending £651,000 on free school meal vouchers between Christmas and Easter this year.
Visit the council website for more information.
Havering Council
Havering Council in London is giving vouchers worth £15 to families through “The School Meal Holiday Scheme”.
To be eligible your child must be:
- A Havering resident
- School age between the ages of 5 and 16
- In receipt of free school meals and pupil premium
Families have until 4pm on February 5 to apply through the council’s website.
Those who have previously applied and are currently receiving a payment for their child do not need to reapply.
The payments should be made in the week beginning February 10, 2025.
Central Bedfordshire council
Eligible children who receive free school meals and go to a Central Bedfordshire School will get one voucher worth £17.50 each.
Eligible parents and carers will receive a text or email asking them to choose a supermarket for the voucher.
The text message will come from “SchoolMeals” while the email from [email protected] will contain their e-voucher instructions.
Contact the council for more information.
What if I do not live in one of these areas?
You may be able to get school vouchers if you live outside of these areas or you could be eligible for other help.
Every council in England has been allocated a chunk from the £421million Household Support Fund.
As every local authority decides their own eligibility criteria it means that what you are entitled to will vary depending on where you live.
If you are struggling then you should contact your local authority to see if any help is on offer.
What are free school meals?
The UK government pays for free school meals for children in England who are attending a primary or secondary state school, free school or academy.
Free school meals are provided for all children in reception, year one or year two.
After year two some students carry on receiving free school meals if their family gets certain benefits, asylum support or have a limited income.
Your child will qualify for free school meals if you receive benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance or Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance.
In England and Wales you also get benefits-related free school meals if you are on the guaranteed element of Pension Credit or Working Tax Credits.
If you are on Universal Credit, there are income requirements.
If you live in England or Wales, you must have an income of £7,400 a year or less, not including benefits, to qualify for free school meals.
Those on child tax credits must earn under £16,190 a year.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
