> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://storekit.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Government & Seasonal Scheme Discounts

> Set up auto-applied, scheduled discounts for government schemes like UK Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) or seasonal 'kids eat free' offers.

Some local authorities and government bodies run seasonal programmes that subsidise meals — for example the UK **Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)** programme or council-backed **"kids eat free"** summer schemes. You can set these up in storekit so the discount activates and expires automatically, applies at checkout without a code, and only covers qualifying menu items.

## What You'll Need

| Requirement                           | Why                                                                                  |
| ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **storekit+** plan                    | Scheduling and auto-apply are storekit+ features                                     |
| **Scheme dates**                      | The start and end dates provided by the scheme organiser                             |
| **Qualifying products or categories** | Which meals or menu sections are covered by the scheme                               |
| **Discount value**                    | The amount or percentage the scheme subsidises (e.g. 100 % off, or a fixed £ amount) |

## Step 1 — Create the Discount

1. Go to **Discounts** in the sidebar
2. Click **Add Discount**
3. Choose the discount type that matches the scheme:
   * **Fixed discount** — if the scheme covers a set amount (e.g. £15 per meal). See [Fixed Discounts](/guides/discounts/fixed-discounts).
   * **Percentage discount** — if the scheme covers a percentage (e.g. 100 % off qualifying items). See [Percentage Discounts](/guides/discounts/percentage-discounts).
4. Enter the **discount value** as specified by the scheme

## Step 2 — Schedule the Discount

Set the discount to activate and deactivate automatically so it matches the scheme period exactly.

1. In the **Schedule** section, set the **start date** to the first day of the scheme
2. Set the **end date** to the last day of the scheme
3. The discount will only be usable between these dates — no manual toggling needed

For full details see [Scheduling Discounts](/guides/discounts/scheduling).

<Tip>
  If the scheme only runs on certain days of the week (e.g. weekdays only), combine scheduling with [day and hour restrictions](/guides/discounts/limiting-availability) to narrow it further.
</Tip>

## Step 3 — Enable Auto-Apply

Turn on auto-apply so customers receive the discount automatically at checkout — they won't need to enter a code.

1. Toggle **Auto-apply** on
2. The discount will appear in the customer's cart as soon as their order meets the conditions

For full details see [Auto-Applied Discounts](/guides/discounts/auto-applied).

<Note>
  Auto-apply requires storekit+. If you don't see the toggle, check that your venue is on the storekit+ plan.
</Note>

## Step 4 — Target Qualifying Products

Most schemes only cover specific meals. Use targeting to restrict the discount to the right items.

### Option A — Target by Category

Best when an entire menu section qualifies (e.g. a "Kids Meals" category).

1. Under **Applies to**, select **Specific categories**
2. Choose the categories that contain qualifying items

### Option B — Target by Product

Best when only individual items qualify.

1. Under **Applies to**, select **Specific products**
2. Search for and select each qualifying product

<Tip>
  If you don't already have a dedicated category for scheme-eligible items, consider creating one (e.g. "HAF Eligible Meals"). This makes targeting straightforward and lets you add or remove items in one place. See [Categories](/guides/menu/categories).
</Tip>

## Step 5 — Review and Save

Before saving, double-check:

* [ ] Discount **type and value** match the scheme requirements
* [ ] **Schedule** start and end dates are correct
* [ ] **Auto-apply** is toggled on
* [ ] **Targeting** covers exactly the qualifying products or categories

Click **Save**. Place a test order to confirm the discount applies as expected.

## Optional Settings

Depending on the scheme rules you may also want to configure:

| Setting                     | When to use                                                 | Link                                                                                 |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Day / hour restrictions** | Scheme only applies on certain days or during certain hours | [Limiting Availability](/guides/discounts/limiting-availability)                     |
| **Order type restrictions** | Scheme only applies to dine-in, takeaway, or delivery       | [Limiting Availability](/guides/discounts/limiting-availability)                     |
| **Minimum spend**           | Scheme requires a minimum order value                       | [Minimum Spend & Maximum Discount](/guides/discounts/minimum-spend-maximum-discount) |
| **Maximum discount**        | You want to cap the discount amount per order               | [Minimum Spend & Maximum Discount](/guides/discounts/minimum-spend-maximum-discount) |

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I don't see the Auto-apply toggle">
    Auto-apply is a storekit+ feature. Confirm your venue is on the **storekit+** plan by going to **Settings → Subscription**. If you need to upgrade, contact your account manager or visit the [storekit pricing page](https://storekit.com/pricing).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Discount not applying at checkout">
    Work through this checklist:

    1. **Is the discount toggled on?** — Open the discount in **Discounts** and check it is active.
    2. **Are the schedule dates correct?** — The current date must fall between the start and end dates. Dates use your venue's configured timezone.
    3. **Does the order contain qualifying items?** — If targeting is set to specific categories or products, only those items trigger the discount.
    4. **Is another discount already applied?** — Only one discount applies per order by default. If a customer has entered a code, the auto-applied scheme discount may not stack.
    5. **Are day/hour restrictions blocking it?** — If you added availability limits, make sure the current day and time fall within the allowed window.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Discount applying to the wrong items">
    Check your targeting settings. If you selected **Specific categories**, any product added to that category is automatically included — even items added after the discount was created. Switch to **Specific products** targeting if you need exact control over which items qualify.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Discount still active after the scheme ended">
    Verify the **end date** in the schedule section. If the date is correct, clear your browser cache and refresh. Times are interpreted in your venue's configured timezone — ensure the end time accounts for this.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>