Help is available for West Lothian families with youngsters at school.
Pupils who are eligible for extra help with the costs of uniforms, lunches and staying on at school can now submit an online application to ensure they will receive their entitlement at the start of the new academic school year from August 16.
Online applications for the academic year 2022/2023 are now open via the West Lothian Council website for those pupils who are entitled to Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and Free School Meals/School Clothing Grants.
In the academic year 2021/22, 10,905 pupils in West Lothian benefitted from Free School Meals and 7468 pupils were awarded a School Clothing Grant.
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an allowance of £30 per week, depending on household income.
Students on Activity Agreements (HYPE agreements), are home educated, attend Donaldsons or Moore House or estranged from parents or in care of the authority can also be paid.
You can find details on eligibility and relevant application forms for the above benefits via the West Lothian Council website.
Please visit: https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/helpwithcosts
If you encounter any issues with the applications forms or have any queries regarding these benefits, please visit: EducationBenefits@westlothian.gov.uk
Executive councillor for education, Andrew McGuire said: “With increasing pressures on finances amidst the ongoing rise in the cost of living, it has never been more important to ensure that our pupils are given every chance to succeed in their education.
“We would encourage anyone who has children at school to find out whether they are eligible for any of the benefits detailed above and to please get in touch with the council’s education benefits team if they need any further advice.”
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