Find out what help your family may be entitled to with back to school costs
While we are still enjoying the summer holidays, parents are already planning for back to school, including buying new school uniforms and other supplies. It is an expensive time for families, but there may be help available with back to school costs.
Free school meals and school uniform grant
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a short-term change to the eligibility criteria for families applying for free school meals and uniform grants.
To be eligible for free school meals and a uniform grant, households need to be in receipt of a qualifying benefit, such as Income Support, Tax Credits, or Universal Credit and have earnings below a certain level.
For the academic year 2024-2025 the earnings threshold for households in receipt of Universal Credit has been raised from £14,000 to a maximum of £15,000. This is an interim rise pending completion of the ongoing review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants.
Transport costs to school
The Education Authority is required to provide 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. A child with additional educational needs or disabilities may also receive assistance with transport.
How to apply
Free school meals and school uniform grant applications can be made online. Once submitted the application can take around four weeks to process.
Home to school transport assistance applications can also be made online. 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.
For further information on free school meals, school uniform grants and home to school transport, including how to apply, visit the Education Authority website.
Help with childcare costs
Many families still require ‘wraparound’ childcare during school term-time. Now is the time to find out what financial support is available – most working families are entitled to help with their registered childcare costs, whether through Tax Credits, Childcare Vouchers, Universal Credit or Tax-Free Childcare.
Personalised advice and guidance
Employers For Childcare’s Family Benefits Advice Service provides free, impartial and confidential advice to parents on the financial support their family is entitled to and can help families work out if they are eligible for support with back to school costs. Call 028 9267 8200 or email hello@employersforchildcare.org.
