Financial Assistance for Struggling Families
Thousands of struggling families in the UK can receive help with food costs during the Christmas season. While free school meals are typically offered to low-income families during term time, some families can also receive assistance over the festive period.
Term times vary across the country, but most schools in England will close for the Christmas holidays in the week commencing December 18 and reopen in the first week of January. However, many families feel an increased financial burden during this break.
Claim Up to £60 Per Child
Parents whose children qualify for free school meals can claim up to £60 per child, though the exact amount may vary depending on where you live. This support is provided through the Household Support Fund, which has a total value of £842 million.
Councils throughout the country have received a portion of this funding and can choose how to allocate the money and determine eligibility. The support can be used to help struggling residents pay for bills and essentials, as well as ensure that children are fed during the Christmas holidays.
Support from Councils and Programs
In addition to the Household Support Fund, councils can also offer financial assistance through the Holiday Activities and Food program (HAF). Free school meal vouchers are typically redeemable at supermarkets, and some can even be exchanged for cash at local Post Offices.
Many councils have already announced the support that will be available over the Christmas holidays for children who receive free school meals. For example, Essex County Council will continue to provide eligible children with up to £60 in supermarket vouchers.
To find out what support your local council offers, make sure to check their website or contact them directly.
Who Qualifies for Free School Meals?
Children whose parents claim certain benefits are eligible to receive free school meals. These benefits include:
- 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 guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child tax credit (provided you're not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working tax credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
If your child receives free school meals during term time, they should also be entitled to vouchers during the holidays. However, eligibility criteria may vary between areas, so it's important to check with your local council.
To apply for free school meals, visit your local authority's website.
The Holiday Activities and Food Grant
The government has provided councils with a fund to cover holiday activities for children from low-income families. This scheme, which ran during the Easter and Summer holidays, will also continue over the 2023 Christmas break.
Families who are eligible for free school meals can attend these activities and holiday clubs at no extra charge. While this isn't a direct food parcel or voucher, free food is provided at many of these clubs. To find out what activities are available in your area and how to sign up, visit your local council website.
Additional Support Options
If your council is no longer providing free school meals or you are not eligible, there are other sources of support available.
Make sure you're receiving all the help you qualify for by using an online benefits calculator. Food banks can also provide emergency supplies to families, but you will need to obtain a voucher from a local community organization such as a school or GP. You can search for your nearest food bank on the Trussell Trust website.
If you're concerned about your finances, free advice is available from charities like Citizens Advice and Turn2Us.
