This October half term, Bedford families with children eligible for income-related free school meals, will receive half-term holiday food vouchers as well as a one-off payment to cover increased household costs.
The vouchers are funded through the Household Support Fund, with Bedford Borough Council providing households with £25 per eligible child or young person.
On top of the £15 supermarket voucher, a one-off £10 will also be provided to help offset any extra spend utility bills and other household expenses.
Children are eligible for the vouchers if their family receives one of the benefits listed below:
- Universal Credit – with an annual earned income of no more than £7,400 after tax
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
- Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190
Families with eligible children in school will receive their vouchers as they have previously via email or their school distribution process.
Children eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium and two-year-old funding will have an allocation that they can collect from their child’s setting.
The Council and Bedford Borough schools are encouraging more families to register and apply for free school meals so that they begin to receive the support they need.
Cllr Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Welfare said: “It is vitally important to us all that no child goes hungry in Bedford Borough…
“Hopefully this support will mean children and young people in the Borough can enjoy nutritious food, rather than families worrying about where their child’s next meal is coming from.”
To find out if you are eligible and to register for free school meals visit the Bedford Borough Council website.
