Thousands of families can get FREE £15 food vouchers for half term – here’s how
CASH-STRAPPED families can claim free vouchers to help with rising costs this half term.
The government's £500million Household Support Fund has made extra money available to low-income families.
Households struggling in the run-up to February half term might be able to claim vouchers from their local authority to help.
It comes as thousands of families' finances are hampered by the cost of living crisis.
High and rising inflation has led the prices of crucial supermarket staples to soar.
The government has dished out £500million to local councils across the country, which are tasked with distributing the funds to their residents.
But the availability of grant money and how to apply for it depends on where you live.
Each council decides what help to offer and who is able to claim it .
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If you're not sure which is your local authority, find out via the government's website.
How much cash is available - and how do I claim it?
Peterborough City Council is handing out supermarket vouchers of £15 per child to cover free school meals during the February half term.
It follows a payment of £30 per child over the Christmas holidays.
The supermarkets accepting food vouchers in Peterborough are as follows:
However, only Asda, Sainsbury's and Waitrose will accept use of the voucher online.
The rest must be cashed in-store - via your phone or an email print-out.
All free school meals recipients should've been contacted by the council by now - so if you haven't, fill this form.
Look out for an email with the subject "SchoolMeals".
The council said all previous recipients of the fund have been contacted about their next payment.
When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applying for Peterborough's vouchers is March 31 - the same end date for the scheme as most councils in England.
However, it's best to apply sooner rather than later as help is only available until the allocated money runs out.
Bear in mind that some councils have earlier deadlines - for example, Hertfordshire households must apply by February 28.
How does the Household Support Fund work?
English councils have been given £421million in additional spending from the Department of Work and Pensions to help struggling households in their area.
Each council decides for itself how funds are dished out and who is eligible in its area.
Some require you to apply for help, while others will make payments automatically to eligible households.
In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, devolved administrations are tasked with handing out the allotted funding.
The Scottish Government has been given £41million, while the Welsh Government was handed £25million and the Northern Ireland Executive received £14million, in line with the Barnett formula.
What if I'm struggling but don't qualify for this scheme?
If you're not eligible for the funding, there are other schemes that might be able to help.
Recipients of the welfare assistance scheme can claim up to £1,000 in free cash and vouchers toward their food, furniture and utility costs.
You might also be able to get your council tax bill slashed or even wiped if you're struggling to pay.
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And if you’re struggling to pay rent, you could apply for a discretionary housing payment.
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