DWP support being offered to families over half-term - see if you are eligible

Father with child
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Households across the country could claim extra financial support during the half-term thanks to a DWP scheme - including vouchers worth to help with food costs. Councils across England are offering extra financial support for some families through Household Support Fund, a scheme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

A total of £421 million is being made available by the government. The scheme was first launched in October 2021 and has seen several extensions since, with the most recent extension making the fund available until March 2025.

Local councils can make use of the fund allocated to them in whichever way they see fit, meaning that eligiblity for support may vary depending on where you live. Furthermore, the type of support may also differ as each council will assess what needs have to be met in the local area.

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For example, some councils are providing assistance to purchase essential households items such as fridges, freezers, and ovens while others are providing voucher schemes to help familleis, especially those with schoolchildren. In particular, a number of councils are providing food vouchers to help low-income families keep themselves well-fed during the February half term.

Here is a breakdown of some of the councils providing food voucher support during the upcoming half term school holidays.

Derby City Council

Derby City's local authority is providing supermarket vouchers for households with children who are claiming benefit-related school meals. According to the council, over tens of thousands of famillies will be provided meals across the February half term period.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is providing £15 vouchers throughout the February half-term. It comes after the council said it would spend £651,000 on free school meal vouchers throughout last Christmas and this Easter.

Stockport Council

Residents of Stockport will be able to make use of the council's Holiday Activity and Food programme throughout the upcoming half term. The scheme allows local businesses and other groups to offer food and extra curricular activities for children who claim free school meals.

Surrey County Council

Surrey residents will be able to claim £15 supermarket vouchers if their children receive benefits-related free school meals. The council has highlighted that a child's school will be responsible for handing out the vouchers were appropriate.

Other support available

If you do not live in any of the previously mentioned areas, you may still be able to receive support via the Household Support Fund, depending on what your local council offers. If you're not sure what support you can claim, you can head to your local authorities website and find the section covering the Household Support Fund.

To find your local council's website, simply enter your postcode into the government's online tool here.