THOUSANDS of families can get free cash and vouchers worth up to £90 this Easter.
The help comes via the Household Support Fund, which is a £421million pot of cash that is being shared between councils in England.
Councils across the country are giving out cost of living support worth up to £90[/caption]
Every council gets to decide how they want to distribute their portion and to who.
Some are offering struggling families cash payments directly into their bank account while others are giving out vouchers to cover food shops and energy bills.
Meanwhile, others are using the extra funding to hand out vouchers or food to low-income families or those on benefits this Easter.
Here we reveal all the councils that are giving out the support.
If your local authority is not listed below, get in touch with it directly if your child is on benefit-related free school meals or you are struggling financially.
It may be able to provide you with personalised help.
Sutton Council
Sutton Council in London is handing out vouchers to families whose children are eligible for free school meals.
You could get a £30 voucher for the Easter period this year.
If your child receives free school meals, is of school age and is attending school then you will receive the voucher directly through the school.
You can also get support if your child is home educated, attends an alternative school or receives two year old funding (for families on low income) or Early Years Pupil Premium for your three and four year old children.
Any families that are struggling with their finances can contact Together for Sutton on 020 8254 2616 for free and confidential advice and support.
You could also get help through the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Visit the council’s website for more information.
Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucester residents with children who receive Free School Meals can now sign up for vouchers to help with food costs during the Easter holidays.
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 scheme opened on March 18 and will close at midday on April 1.
To be eligible your child must be in reception to year 11, receive Pupil Premium (income-related) free school meals and attend a school in Gloucestershire.
Children in college and sixth form and those who receive universal free school meals are not eligible.
Families who sign up will get £15 per eligible child per week during Easter.
The vouchers are valid for six months but should be used in the holiday period they are provided for.
To register visit the council’s website.
Once you have signed up you do not need to re-register and will already be included for other school holidays such as half term or Christmas.
Greenwich Council
Hard up families in Greenwich, London, can get help worth £30 a child this Easter.
All children currently claiming means-tested free school meals in Royal Greenwich schools will qualify for the payment.
Your child’s school will confirm whether you are eligible.
The council will contact you by text message or email to let you know how you will get the payment.
For pre-school children aged under five years old, the council will confirm if you are eligible through Greenwich Children’s Centres and early years childcare providers.
You will still get a text message or email to let you know how you will receive the payment.
Free cash schemes if you’re struggling
Many of us are still struggling with the high cost of living – but there’s help you can get.
New or expectant parents can get up to £442 a year to spend on food through Healthy Start scheme.
Some new parents can get £500 via the Sure Start Maternity Grant. The money is designed to help you cover the costs of having a child.
Councils also offer support through the welfare assistance schemes, to help cover the costs of essentials, from buying new furniture to food vouchers.
The amount you can get varies but an investigation by The Sun found that hard-up Brits can apply for help worth up to £1,000.
Discretionary Housing Payment is a pot of money handed out by councils to those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
A scheme is available for those who find themselves unable to cover housing costs, though the exact amount varies as each local authority dishes out the cash on a case-by-case basis.
Many energy forms offer grants to help cash-tight customers. The exact amount varies depending on your supplier and you circumstances, but could be as much a £2,000.
Payments will be made at the same rate and time as free school meal payments.
You can apply for free school meals through the Council or contact your child’s school for more information.
Ealing Council
Families in Ealing, London, who are struggling can get vouchers worth £30 per child this Easter.
The cash will be paid in supermarket vouchers.
Families entitled to benefit related free school meals with children in Ealing state funded schools can get the vouchers for the 2025 Easter holiday.
To make sure you will receive the cash log into the Free School Meals portal and check that your details are up to date.
Buckinghamshire Council
Buckingham Council is giving out vouchers worth £30 to families this Easter through its Helping Hand scheme.
The cash will be paid through a digital food voucher code.
To be eligible your child must receive:
- Free school meals
- Early years’ pupil premium
- A two year old funded free education place
The digital vouchers will be issued directly by schools and Early Years environments ahead of the school holidays.
You will be able to use the vouchers at most major supermarkets in Buckinghamshire and instructions will be provided when the vouchers are issued.
The council is also offering hot meals to children in Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals through its Holiday Activities and Food Programme.
There are thousands of free holiday club places in more than 60 locations across the county.
Every child or young person can attend up to four of these sessions over the Easter holidays.
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