The UK government has unveiled a new initiative to support households facing financial difficulties. Eligible families can now access a £275 cost of living payment, including supermarket vouchers or energy credits, as part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Household Support Fund.
Cambridgeshire residents are encouraged to apply for the scheme, which is designed to ease financial pressure, especially during school holidays.
This support comes as the cost of living continues to rise, leaving many families struggling to meet their daily expenses. The new payments aim to alleviate some of this strain by offering a flexible set of options for eligible households, including vouchers for groceries or energy payments.
As part of the initiative, the Cambridgeshire Holiday Voucher Scheme is being highlighted, allowing families with children who receive Free School Meals to benefit from weekly supermarket vouchers during school breaks.
How the Holiday Voucher Scheme Works
According to the Cambridgeshire County Council, the Holiday Voucher Scheme provides a much-needed financial cushion for families eligible for Free School Meals. Every week during school holidays, each eligible child will receive a £15 voucher.
With approximately eleven weeks of school holidays between now and March 2026, eligible families can claim up to £165 in vouchers. This, when supplemented with a financial award of £110 per household, brings the total support available to £275.
Households are given several options for how they receive this support. They can choose to have the full £275 in one lump sum or select various vouchers, such as supermarket vouchers for major chains including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.
These vouchers offer flexibility, allowing families to use them either in-store or online (though only Asda vouchers can be redeemed online). Alternatively, eligible households can opt for a Paypoint Cashout Voucher, Paypoint Energy Vouchers, or a BACS transfer directly into their bank account.
Who is Eligible and How to Apply
To qualify for the payment, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. For households with multiple adults, a joint application is required, as both partners’ income levels will be taken into account.
The process is intended to be straightforward, with households simply needing to provide their bank account details for BACS payments, or choose an alternative voucher-based option.
The application process is handled with the utmost discretion, according to council officials. Each case is assessed fairly and equitably, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most. This initiative is a vital lifeline for families in Cambridgeshire, aiming to alleviate the financial burden that has intensified with the rising cost of living.
