FAMILIES can get £45 in free supermarket vouchers over Easter.
The vouchers are being dished out to struggling households over the holiday.
Those who get free school meals can get extra help over the Easter holidaysAlamy
The support comes from local councils and is designed to help cover the cost of feeding kids when they are not getting free school meals.
For example, families within the Herefordshire Council district could get £45 in supermarket vouchers.
The council said that children will get the voucher through their school and parents already on certain benefits or eligible for free school meals will be contacted.
While those living in Sandwell Council can get £15 in vouchers a week for help towards their food costs.
Like with Herefordshire, parents of eligible children will be contacted via the school.
What help is available and how you get it will depend on where you live.
Each council will have a different way of running the scheme.
Vouchers can usually be used at most supermarkets, including places like Asda, Tesco and Lidl, but check the terms to see where they can be spent.
Not all councils will be offering the help so it might be best to contact your local borough and see what’s available.
Who is eligible for free school meals?
Children whose parents claim certain benefits are eligible to receive free school meals:
Income SupportIncome-based Jobseeker’s AllowanceIncome-related Employment and Support AllowanceSupport under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999The guaranteed element of Pension CreditChild 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 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax CreditUniversal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)
If you find that your council is no longer giving out free school meals, or you’re not eligible, there is other support available.
Make sure you’re getting all the help you’re eligible for by using an online benefits calculator.
Food banks can provide families with emergency supplies – you will need to be issued a voucher by a local community organisation such as a school or GP.
You can search for your nearest food bank on the Trussell Trust website.
If you’re worried about falling behind on bills. there are plenty of organisations where you can get advice for free, including:
National Debtline – 0808 808 4000Step Change – 0800 138 1111Citizens Advice – 0808 800 9060
What other help can I get?
If you are struggling and need more support, or don’t qualify for the vouchers there is more help elsewhere.
Morrisons has partnered with Kellogg’s to offer children free breakfasts before 11am over Easter.
It will stand in all Morrisons stores between April 3 and 24.
Some areas are offering the vouchers through the Household Support Fund.
You can check what’s available near you by checking with your local council – find yours here by entering your postcode.
If you need help but you’re not eligible for this money, you might be able to grab free cash towards your energy bills from your energy supplier.
For those on benefits, you may be able to grab £1000s worth of free cash support that you didn’t know about.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]