Applications now open for home to school transport

The Education Authority is required to provide free transport to and from school for any pupils who meet specific criteria. Support is made available where there is no suitable school within a legal walking or qualifying distance from the pupil’s home, or where the pupil has not secured a place in an appropriate school within that distance. In addition to this, a child with additional educational needs or disabilities may also receive assistance with transport.

The Education Authority website provides an online Eligibility Checker to help parents find out if their child will qualify, prior to completing the formal application, available here.

Please note that the Eligibility Checker is for information purposes only and is not an application for transport assistance. The eligibility checker can be used at any time even when still deciding which schools to apply for.

The online applications for Home to School Transport are now open. If your child has already been in receipt of transport assistance but has moved home or school you are required to re-apply and the application will be reassessed against the eligibility criteria. Once the application has been submitted the Education Authority aims to confirm your arrangements within 20 days of receiving your application however for some pupils including those with complex needs the process may take longer.

Further information including how to apply is available on the Education Authority website here.

For advice on what support your family is entitled to with school costs such as free school meals, school uniform and transport costs call the Family Benefits Advice Service helpline on 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.