DWP payments 2026: cost of living help available this February half term - free meals, vouchers, benefit dates
With children off school, household costs can quickly climb, but there is help available 💷
The February half term holiday (February 16–20) can bring a welcome break for children, but for many low-income families it also means a week of extra costs.
Food bills rise when children aren’t receiving free school meals, and childcare can be a challenge for working parents.
The good news is that a mix of national and council-run schemes are designed to provide extra help during the school holidays. Here’s what support may be available this week, and what to expect from benefit payments.
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Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
One of the main sources of help during school holidays is the government-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Backed by the Department for Education, HAF provides free holiday clubs offering healthy meals and activities to children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
During February half term, eligible children can usually access up to four days of funded activities, which often include sports, arts sessions and enrichment activities, alongside a hot meal.
For parents, this can ease pressure in two ways, cutting down on food costs and providing structured daytime activities while they work or manage other commitments.
Each council runs its own scheme, so parents should check their local authority website for details on how to book.
Free school meal vouchers and holiday food support
In addition to HAF, many councils use funding from the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) to provide supermarket vouchers during the holidays.
The amount varies depending on where you live. In some areas, eligible families receive around £15 per child for the week, while others offer slightly higher amounts.
These vouchers are typically issued through schools or directly by councils and can be used at major supermarkets to help cover food costs while children are at home.
Eligibility is usually linked to benefits-related free school meals, but some councils may extend support to other low-income households.
Because schemes differ between areas, families should check their council’s website or contact their child’s school if they are unsure what support is in place locally.
Household Support Fund help with bills
The Household Support Fund does more than provide food vouchers. Councils can also use the funding to offer help with essential household costs such as energy and water bills.
In some areas, families can apply for one-off grants or bill credits, which may be paid directly to utility providers. Some schemes offer several hundred pounds in support, depending on household size and circumstances.
Support is discretionary and often time-limited, so applications may be required. Families experiencing financial difficulty during half term should look at their council’s cost-of-living support pages to see what help is currently open.
Community and emergency support
For families facing immediate hardship, local food banks and community organisations continue to provide emergency food parcels and practical support. Referral processes vary, but Citizens Advice, local councils and schools can often signpost families to help.
It can also be worth carrying out a benefits check using online tools or speaking to an adviser, as some households may be entitled to additional support they are not currently claiming.
Will benefits be affected by half term?
A common worry during school holidays is whether benefit payments will be delayed, but February half term itself does not affect benefit schedules.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to make payments as normal throughout this week, as there are no UK bank holidays during the February 16–20 period. This means that if you normally receive:
- Child Benefit
- ESA/Income Support
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- PIP / Disability benefits
- State Pension
- Universal Credit
Universal Credit is typically paid once a month, while other benefits may be paid every two weeks or every four weeks, depending on the claim. If your payment date falls during half term, it should still arrive as expected.
Payments are only moved if they fall on a bank holiday. In those cases, the DWP usually pays the benefit on the last working day before the holiday. As there are no bank holidays this week, no changes are scheduled.
If a payment does not arrive on the expected date, claimants should check their online journal (for Universal Credit) or contact the relevant helpline.
Planning ahead for the week
While half term can be financially challenging, support is available. Families eligible for free school meals should check for HAF activity spaces and voucher schemes.
Those struggling with bills should explore Household Support Fund grants, and anyone unsure about their entitlement should consider a benefits check.
Crucially, benefit payments will land as normal this week, providing a degree of certainty as families manage the extra costs of having children at home.