The summer holidays might only just be getting started but many families struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis may already be starting to plan ahead for the new school term. As food, fuel and energy bills all continue to soar in price, paying for brand new school uniforms for September is probably the last thing you want to think about.
The cost of new shirts, blouses, skirts, trousers and PE kits can soon add up to a small fortune, especially if your child's school insists on parents buying uniforms directly from them. Luckily, financial aid is available to help ease the burden for parents across the UK.
Low-income families are able to apply for help covering the cost of uniforms via the School Uniform Grant. This Government-run grant is non-repayable, with the exact amount of cash on offer dependent on both your individual circumstances and your local authority, WalesOnline reports.
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In England and Scotland, you can apply for grants of up to £150 per child, per year. The highest grants available differ across the UK, with Wales and Northern Ireland offering up to £200 and £67.50 per child, per year respectively.
With that in mind, Andrea Knowles, a budgeting expert at vouchers.co.uk, has explained how the uniform grant works as well as who is eligible and how you can apply for the money.
Who is eligible for the School Uniform Grant?
First things first, you’ll need to find out if your local authority offers the grant. Unfortunately, only 27 out of 149 English councils currently offer it. You can easily find out whether or not you can apply by entering your postcode into this handy tool on the Government website.
If you find your local authority does in fact offer the grant, you should be able to claim it as long you can prove that you’re on a low income, or receive at least one of the following benefits:
- Child tax credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of pension credit
- Universal credit
- Working tax credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
Generally, if your child or children receive free school meals, then they are also likely to be entitled to the School Uniform Grant (providing your local authority offers it). It is, however, worth noting that those with children attending private or independently run schools won’t be eligible.
To apply, you will need to get in touch with your local council’s school admissions and benefits team. When making your application, you’ll need to provide proof of address (such as a utility bill or council tax statement), proof of identity (a driver’s license or passport), and proof of guardianship of your child (birth certificate or adoption papers).
You will also need to show a recent bank statement that proves your income or confirms that you are receiving one of the benefits required for eligibility. Alternatively, you can bring a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions.
In terms of when you can expect to see the money appear in your account, councils tend to make most payments in July or August to allow time before the new school year starts. This can vary between councils, but generally the average time is between 10 and 15 working days from when you submit your application.
If you aren't eligible, there are some other ways to save on school uniform costs. For example, if your child’s school allows generic uniforms free from branding, it’s well worth heading straight to your local supermarket.
There are many supermarkets currently selling school wear, including:
- Aldi, where prices start from £1.50 for one sweatshirt
- Morrisons, with prices starting from £3.50 for two sweatshirts
- Tesco, where prices start from £4.00 for two sweatshirts
- Asda, with prices starting from £4.00 for two sweatshirts
Many schools also run second-hand school sales throughout the summer period, allowing parents to buy branded school uniforms at a discounted price. Alternatively, you can always check local Facebook groups for parents that are selling or giving away their child’s no-longer-needed school uniform.
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