Five back-to-school assistance systems to help parents struggling to cover their costs UK News

Parents struggling with back-to-school costs may be eligible for additional cash assistance.

Charity Citizens Advice said it has seen a 20% increase in the number of families seeking financial assistance to cover their child’s education over the past year.

In 12 months, 76,000 people also consulted its accompanying guide “Help with tuition fees”, compared to only 63,000 during the same period the previous year.

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According to government research, the average price of a high school uniform and physical education kit costs just over £ 300 per student in England.

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Rachel Ingleby, Citizens Advice consumer expert, said: “We know back to school can be expensive. And with rising energy costs and a looming cut in universal credit, pressure will add to budgets already. tense from many people.

“If you have applied for benefits for the first time during this pandemic, or if your situation has changed, it is worth checking to see if you can request additional help for expenses such as school meals, transportation or uniforms.

“Anyone who needs help finding out what support is available can contact the nearest citizens’ council or the local education authority. “

So what help can parents get? Here are five support programs worth considering.

Free school meals

Children in the reception, 1st and 2nd year automatically benefit from free school meals.

If you have older children, you can also request free school meals if you receive certain benefits.

If you applied after April 1, 2018, you would be eligible if you earn less than £ 7,400 per year without any government support.

You can view the full list of eligibility requirements here.

Free school trip

The new school year starts on September 1 – but parents may not be aware that it is possible to get free transportation to school for their children.

The law says anyone who has to travel three kilometers or more to get to school shouldn’t have to pay.

All children between the ages of five and 16 are eligible for a free school trip if they attend the nearest appropriate school.

They should also live at least three kilometers from school if they are under eight years old, or three kilometers if they are older.

In London, all travel for children under 16 is free anyway. Each local council is responsible for providing this type of free transportation, and you can find details about yours here.

Your child can also benefit from free school transportation for up to 15 miles if you get the maximum amount of the tax credit for work or if your children receive free school meals.

If your child has special educational needs or a disability, they can benefit from free school transportation, regardless of how far you live.

Finally, children between the ages of five and 16 are allowed to go to school for free if there is no safe way to get there on foot – regardless of the distance.

Help with school uniforms

Your local school authority might also be able to help with other costs through the school uniform grant or scholarships to help with music lessons or trips and activities.

Schools can also sometimes advise on finding used uniforms or may have local charity programs in place to help children from struggling households.

Under the Education Act 1990, councils are able to provide financial assistance to cover the cost of school uniforms to low-income parents through a grant program.

You can enter your zip code on this government website to see contact details and information for your local council.

If your local authority offers a grant for school uniforms, you will need to check if you qualify before applying.

Again, you will generally be eligible for assistance if you are applying for benefits, have a low income, and your child claims free school meals.

Support for subsistence allowance for disabled people

This is extra money to help with daily expenses if your child is under 16 and has a disability or has a health problem.

You can get between £ 23.60 and £ 151.40 per week, and it’s not means-tested, so how much you earn doesn’t impact how much you can get.

Payment of family allowances

If your child continues to study after the 11th grade, you must inform the HMRC Family Allowance Office if you wish to continue receiving family allowance and any additional support for children receiving means-tested allowances.

When your child turns 16, HMRC will send you a letter asking if your child will continue with education or training. You must reply to this letter to continue to receive child benefit.

You have until August 31st to update the HMRC to ensure your payments continue.

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