Hundreds of parents who have claimed Universal Credit in the last few weeks could be missing out on the free weekly supermarket voucher to help with the cost of meals for school aged children.

The vouchers, which are worth £15 are to replace free school meals while schools are shut during the coronavirus crisis.

Over a million new people have applied for Universal Credit since the start of the coronavirus crisis which gives an entitlement to free school meals.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “Many people’s circumstances have changed in the last month so I would urge mums and dads to check if they are newly entitled to free school meals. Especially as schools are shut this probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind but there is help available.”

Mr Zeichner has urged the government to publicise the scheme to new Universal Credit claimants and to monitor take up.

Cambridge residents can apply for free school meals at: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/schools-learning/help-with-school-learning-costs/free-school-meals