Universal Credit: Full list of vouchers, food and childcare parents can claim over October half term

Parents receiving Universal Credit could get help with holiday childcare, food and family essentials this October half term.

Support generally depends on where you live, your circumstances and the schemes available locally.

Universal Credit claimants can potentially reclaim up to 85% of eligible childcare costs, while some children can access free holiday clubs and meals.

Here is what you need to know...

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme

The Government's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides free holiday clubs during school holidays for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.

These clubs typically include activities, meals and childcare during the break, helping to ease of the financial pressure while schools are on a break.

Exact support varies by location, parents can check their local authority website to see what's available in their area.

The programme could help families avoid childcare costs altogether during parts of the half term.

Can Universal Credit help with childcare during half term?

Yes, if you're receiving Universal Credit and meet the eligibility rules, you can claim help worth up to 85% of childcare costs during school holidays, including half term.

This can include holiday clubs, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.

The support isn't limited to term time childcare, which means parents who need extra childcare to work during school holidays may still be able to get help.

You will usually need to pay for childcare first and then report the costs through your online Universal Credit account.

You must provide evidence of the childcare provider and the payments you have made. Report the costs as soon as possible, ideally within the assessment period in which you paid or the following assessment period. If you report them late, you might not get the money back.

Can you get food vouchers over half term if you're on Universal Credit?

Being on Universal Credit does not automatically mean you'll get food vouchers during half term.

However, some families may qualify for help through their local council's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which provides free holiday clubs including meals for children who receive benefits-related free school meals. The scheme operates during school holidays, including half term.

Cheap days out on Universal Credit

If you claim benefits such as Universal Credit, you can save on great days out across the UK during half term.

There are attractions across the country offering free or £1 tickets days out.

Just remember that you'll often need to book in advance to secure your discounted tickets.

We have compiled a full list of Universal Credit discounted days out here.