Can people on benefits get extra money for the summer holidays? Here is the support available

The summer holidays can be one of the most expensive times of the year for families.

With children at home for six weeks, many households face higher food bills, increased energy costs - not to mention the pressure to keep kids entertained with activities, days out or additional childcare.

If your budget is already tight, the school break can add even more pressure.

There are no new Cost of Living Payments announced for 2026, however, there are several ways to boost household finances over the summer and beyond through additional support available.

We explain what you need to know.

Household Support Fund and Crisis Grants

Over the past couple of years, the government has dished out money to struggling families through the Household Support Fund - however, this has now been replaced by the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

As with the Household Support Fund, the money is given to local authorities who have their own set of criteria to qualify.

However, if you're facing a financial emergency and on benefits, you could be able to get help.

Some schemes offer cash grants, while others provide vouchers, food parcels or essential household goods.

If you're struggling to make ends meet during the school holidays, it's worth checking your local council's website to see whether a Crisis and Resilience Fund or Local Welfare Assistance scheme operates in your area.

The funds are typically designed to help people dealing with unexpected financial difficulties, if you are facing one of the following situations, check if you can help:

• Food shortages

• Emergency energy costs

• Essential household items that need replacing

• White goods such as fridges and cookers that need replacing

• Furniture that need replacing

• Costs linked to family crises or emergencies

including free school holiday clubs, Household Support Fund payments, council tax discounts and help with energy bills.

Free school meals and holiday food support

One of the biggest sources of support during the summer holidays is the government's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

In many parts of England, the scheme offers free meals during the break, as well as activity clubs and sports sessions.

Support is available to children who receive free school meals, although eligibility can vary locally so check with your local council or school to see what's available.

The rules on school meals are also changing in September 2026 so it's worth checking if you could claim in future - even if you're not able to at the moment.

To sign up for the HAF progamme, search for "Holiday Activities and Food programme" on your local council website and you'll then need a booking code provided by your child's school.

You may also be able to register directly with a local holiday club or activity provider

Council Tax Reduction support could cut your bills

If you're claiming benefits or on a low income, it's worth checking whether you're eligible for Council Tax Reduction.

Many households miss out on this support because they assume the discount is applied automatically.

Depending on your circumstances, you could reduce your council tax bill or even get it completely cancelled out with a 100% reduction.

The extra cash could come in pretty handy during the holidays.

You'll need to apply to your local council for a reduction, and you could be eligible if you:

• Claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other benefits

• Have a low income

• Are unemployed

• Have a disability

• Are a carer

• Have children living at home

As well as Council Tax Reduction, some households may qualify for additional discounts, including:

• A 25% single-person discount if you live alone

• Discounts for people with severe mental impairments

• Disabled band reductions

• Student exemptions

• Discounts for certain carers

How to find grants you don't have to pay back

If you're struggling financially, it's worth knowing that there are hundreds of grants available that don't need to be repaid.

These financial helplines can cover everything from energy bills and white goods to school uniforms and emergency living costs.

Many people don't realise there are charities set up to help people who have worked in specific industries which can offer grants if you qualify.

For example, support may be available to current or former:

• Retail workers

• Teachers

• NHS staff

• Armed forces personnel

• Hospitality workers

• Transport workers

You can search for charitable grants based on your circumstances through the Turn2us Grant Search. You'll just need to answer a few questions and could be matched with money that you'll never have to pay back.

Are there any Cost of Living Payments in 2026?

The government has not announced any new Cost of Living Payments for 2026.

That means households looking for extra support this summer will need to rely on existing schemes and programmes.

Make sure you are getting all the help you are entitled to whether that's local council support, free school meal programmes or grants.