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Parents claiming benefits can get free cash help this summer holiday - are you eligible?

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Labour has announced a further £600million investment into the Holiday Activities Fund (HAF)
Labour has announced a further £600million investment into the Holiday Activities Fund (HAF). Picture: Alamy

By Henry Moore

Parents claiming benefits can get access to free childcare after a major scheme was extended for three years.

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Labour has announced a further £600million investment into the Holiday Activities Fund (HAF).

Funded by the Department for Education, the scheme was originally supposed to end in 2026 - but has since been renewed until 2029.

Read more: Energy bills to rise for millions as price cap increases by 2 per cent in October

Child benefit charge form
Child benefit charge form. Picture: Alamy

What help parents can get depends on where they live and what benefits they claim.

Most families claiming free school meals and child benefit will be eligible for the help.

But others can also claim the cash.

HAF first came into force in 2021 after being tested in 2018 and 2020.

The programme is available for school children at reception age to year 11.