York Talk Money is back from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026

Make the most of changes to benefits for families this summer

Universal Credit support for families has changed. The two-child limit no longer applies. If you have more than two children and get Universal Credit you can claim an extra amount for your third – or subsequent children.

This means more families can get help from Universal Credit – Use our better off calculator to make sure you’re not missing out. www.york.gov.uk/BenefitsCalculator

Changes to Free School Meals are happening from the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the Department for Education are expanding FSM eligibility to all children from households in receipt of Universal Credit regardless of household earnings.

All parents/carers receiving UC must reapply for their child to receive free school meal. Check your eligibility and register with your school.

Find out more and how to get help to apply at www.york.gov.uk/benefits

York’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) offers fun activities for keeping active, being creative, and trying something new over the Easter, summer, and winter school holidays.

Children and young people in receipt of benefit-related free school meals can receive 16 sessions of free activities and nutritious food this summer. Each day will include a healthy meal and a selection of activities ranging from sports, drama and creative workshops, nature activities, and much more

Families who are eligible for the HAF offer will receive their vouchers from their child’s school. Parents/carers will receive a e-voucher for each child, sent individually from their child’s school via text or email.

To book an activity, you’ll need your HAF E-voucher. Your E-voucher will include a link that will take you to the booking site open Thursday 2 July. The booking site lists all York HAF activities. .
York HAF Summer Programme

If you did not receive your HAF voucher, you can contact Shelby Graham, the programme coordinator, at [email protected]

Find out more at www.raiseyork.co.uk/directories/holiday-activities-food

York Talk Money is here to help you make the most of your money. Whether it’s for your day-to-day spending, or to see you through planned and unplanned events.

Thousands of people in York are missing out on benefits and financial support they’re entitled to. With the cost of living still high, it’s more important than ever to make sure your finances are in the best possible shape.