Summer holiday support is available for families

Families who receive Free School Meals and need help with essential food costs during the summer holidays can apply for support through the Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Applications for summer holiday payments will open on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 and close on Monday 31st August 2026, and can be made online: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living/crisis-and-resilience-fund/school-holiday-support-payment  

Changes to the CRF from September 2026 

The Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced the Household Support Fund in April 2026. It ensures that financial support is available for families who need it and gives longer term support to boost income and manage debt. 

To support families during the transition to the Crisis and Resilience Fund, so far payments have been awarded to all applicants who were in receipt of Free School Meals and provided requested evidence. The same approach will apply during the summer holidays. 

From September 2026, however, the Crisis and Resilience Fund will solely be there to help people who experience an unexpected financial crisis. Applicants will need to explain the financial shock they have experienced and how this has placed them in crisis. 

Expanded Free School Meal eligibility from September 2026 

From September 2026, all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit will become entitled to free school meals (FSM). Pupils who already qualify because their household earnings are £7,400 or less will continue to qualify. The change will extend entitlement to more families, meaning more children will be able to apply to receive Free School Meals. 

To find out more, visit: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/education-and-learning/free-school-meals  

Debbie Hall, Director of Finance at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: 

“We want families to know that if they are worried about paying for essentials over the summer break, help is available. Since school holiday payments are no longer automatic, I encourage families to apply for support for the summer holidays. 

This support sits alongside the wider help available through our Crisis and Resilience Fund and cost of living services. With Free School Meal eligibility widening from September, more families will be able to access ongoing support, while the fund will continue to provide help for people facing urgent financial hardship.” 

Not just school holidays:

The Crisis and Resilience Fund can also help households who aren't receiving Free School Meals with various costs.

Visit the webpage for more information about support with: 

• Crisis payments
• Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP)
• Housing Payments and Discretionary Hardship Payments
• Heating oil support 

There is also information and support available on the Council’s cost of living webpages, which bring together information about financial help, advice services, and emergency assistance: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/benefits-and-welfare-help/cost-of-living