Parents in the UK can receive up to £580 in free cash for school uniforms through a little-known scheme, offering extra help on top of school uniform grants. Many families are struggling with the cost of living, and the Schoolwear Association reports that dressing each child for secondary school costs nearly £100 on average. However, some councils are offering what's known as "local welfare assistance" in the form of a one-off payment to cover the cost of school clothes. The support can vary in value depending on the location.
Who is eligible and how to claim
Welfare assistance schemes are usually in place to help with essentials like bills, food, and clothes. Eligibility criteria vary, and each council has different ways of distributing the help. It's discretionary, meaning you're not guaranteed to receive it. Financial hardship must typically be demonstrated, and it's not limited to those on benefits. You might also be eligible for help following an emergency or crisis, such as fleeing from domestic violence. To find out what local welfare assistance is available to you, contact your local council or use the Government's council locator tool on its website. Additionally, consider reaching out to local advice agencies such as Citizens Advice for further assistance beyond local welfare support.
What other help can I get?
Local welfare assistance schemes cover more than just school uniforms. Some councils have provided grants of up to £1,000 for furniture, distributed supermarket vouchers, or offered to cover energy bills. It's important to contact your local council to inquire about the available support. It's worth noting that local welfare assistance schemes differ outside of England. In Scotland, there's the Scottish Welfare Fund, and in Wales, households can seek help via the Welsh Discretionary Fund. For a convenient tool that directs you to your local welfare assistance page, visit www.endfurniturepoverty.org/research-campaigns/rebuilding-crisis-support-local-welfare-assistance/local-welfare-assistance-finder/. Additionally, you may be eligible for a cost of living payment. The government is issuing three payments: £900, £150, and £150-£300. Eligibility is based on various benefits.
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
Millions of disabled individuals have already received the £150 payment, and from November this year, millions of pensioners will receive a top-up of £150-£300 on their Winter Fuel payment.
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