More Money in Your Pocket

The Household Support Fund (HSF) can help people with their food, energy and other essential household costs. The Department for Work and Pensions has provided further funding to cover the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Free school meal vouchers

For children who receive benefits-related free school meals, we're providing a £15 voucher for the May 2025 half term holidays. You don't need to apply for this voucher - these have been sent out to those who are eligible. You'll receive a separate voucher for each child in your household who receives benefits-related free school meals.

We'll also be providing support during the October 2025, December 2025 (for one week of the holidays) and February 2026 half term.

Local welfare assistance

We're using part of the Household Support Fund to fund a resettlement grant for new tenants on a low income (also known as local welfare assistance). Find out about the resettlement grant and how to apply.

Winter fuel support

We're going to use some of the Household Support Fund to support pension-age residents who receive local Council Tax Support but are not eligible for Pension Credit. This will be reviewed in line with any changes the government make to the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment.

Community support

We're currently developing our community support offer, the details will be published shortly. For now, you can take a look at the borough-wide support below.

Borough-wide support

Warm Homes team

The Warm Homes team support households in Barnsley to keep their properties warm.

If you're worried about paying for your energy bills or struggling to keep your home warm, you may be able to get some support.

For full details of the support available and how to apply, visit our warm homes webpage.

Resettlement grant

The resettlement grant is for low income households who've signed up for a new tenancy in the Barnsley borough and need help to furnish or pay for essential items for the property. Essential items could include:

  • fridge freezer
  • beds and mattresses
  • cooker or microwave
  • washing machine

For full details of the scheme, how to apply and the eligibility criteria, visit our resettlement grant webpage.

Community First Credit Union

Community First Credit Union offer interest free loans up to a maximum of £500. These loans are for those who are struggling to buy food, pay energy bills or buy essential items.

Who can apply

To apply you need to:

  • be a Community First account holder, or be willing to become one
  • be 18 years of age or over
  • have an established electronic payment into your Community First savings account. This could be a standing order or deduction from your wage. You also qualify if your wages or benefit payments are paid directly into the account.

How to apply

Call Community First on 03030 300010.

Family hubs

Family hubs deliver early help services for children from pre-birth up to 19 years. If the young person has a disability they offer support up to 25 years.

Family hubs bring people together from a range of services in each local area. This includes those from:

  • schools
  • the police
  • social care
  • the private and voluntary sector
  • some adult services

The services they offer vary in each area of the borough. This depends on the needs of families and the wider community.

For full details of the services on offer in your area, visit the family hubs webpage.