Support for Families Suffering Hardship

We are very aware that more families may be finding themselves in hardship during this unprecedented time, the council have pulled together details of the help available, links to these can be found below. We would urge any family who is experiencing hardship to access this help.

Barnsley Council - Apply for free school meals If you are unable to do this on line please call 01226 787787 opt 3 and you will be able to complete the form over the phone

Universal Credit - How to claim If families have been working and their income has been reduced then they will need to contact the DWP to see if they are entitled to universal credit. The claim needs to be made on line with the DWP.

Barnsley Council - Local Benefit Support If your income has decreased but you are not entitled to universal credit then you may still be entitled to local council tax support or free school meals.

Barnsley Council - Council Tax, Local Council Tax Support and Free School Meals If families are struggling to pay their council tax they can contact the council on 01226 787787 and press opt 2. The lines are busy but we have put extra staff on the lines. For anyone in receipt of local council tax support and free school meals and their income has changed they will need to complete a change in circumstances form as they may be entitled a further help with their council tax:

Barnsley Council - Council Tax Hardship Scheme The Government has announced that a council tax hardship scheme will be available to those who are considered ‘financial vulnerable’. Details of the scheme will be published week commencing 30th March 2020 and details will be made available here:

Barnsley Council For general advice on what help and support may be available