Martin Lewis urges families to check now if they're eligible for £200 towards school uniform costs – as deadline nears

Families are urged to check if they're entitled to help with the cost of school uniforms as deadlines to claim are fast approaching – here's what you need to know

Struggling families could get up to £200 from their local council to help with the cost of school uniforms for the next school year – but anyone who wants to claim this help must act quickly.

Despite the school holidays only just beginning, deadlines are fast approaching for many parents to claim the school uniform grant – money allocated to help low-income families with their child's uniform costs.

Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert website has told families to apply now, or risk losing out on a much-needed cash boost as some councils are closing applications for the next school year within days.

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What is the school uniform grant and how does it work?

The school uniform grant is a cash amount offered to families on a low income to help with the costs of buying uniform and other school clothing.

It's a one-off payment of up to £200 per child (depending on where you live). The grant is available through your local authority and you won't need to pay it back.

But some councils – including Barnet, Haringey and Southwark – are closing applications as early as the end of July.

And families in Northern Ireland are urged to act now, as applications for the grant close there TODAY – 28 July 2023.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility criteria differs for each local authority but children who qualify for means-tested free school meals will likely be able to access the fund.

Usually anyone who gets the following benefits will be eligible for free school meals (and therefore the school uniform grant):

• 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 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

However, some local councils may also set their own criteria, including specifying that a child has to be in a specific year group, or moving from primary to secondary school to apply.

@netmums You could be eligible for up to £200 to help with the cost of school uniforms for autumn 2023 … but the deadline to apply is coming fast! Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply. #benefits #school #backtoschool ♬ original sound - Netmums

How much could I get?

You could be eligible for up to £200 per child, but some councils will offer much smaller amounts. In some cases, families are only able to apply for a maximum of £25 or £30 per child.

We've listed what you can get from a number of local authorities in the chart below.

How to apply for the school uniform grant in England

You should contact your local council for details of the scheme and how to apply.

Usually this is via a form on their website, but differs according to each individual council.

If you live in England, you can find details of your local council here. If you live in Wales, you'll find more information here, if you live in Scotland, you'll find more info here and, if you live in Northern Ireland, you'll be able to access help here.

The Money Saving Expert website also shared a handy timetable of exactly how much each local authority is offering and their deadlines.

Take a look below:

How to apply for the school uniform grant in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

What if my council isn't listed above?

If your council is not listed above, it doesn't mean they won't offer any help. Each council allocates their money as they see fit, so it's worth contacting them to see if they are able to offer any help.

Local councils also offer extra financial assistance via the Household Support Fund – a pot of money they're given by the government to help those in their area who are most in need of help.

While many councils have already given out money, supermarket vouchers and even air fryers in some cases, they can also allocate this in the form of financial help towards school uniform costs, if they desire.

What other help can I get?

If you're struggling to make ends meet, we've got plenty of tips and advice that may help.

Worried about the summer holidays? We've got the lowdown on all the benefits you could be entitled to here

Bringing kids up on your own? Here are all the benefits and financial support for single parents in 2023.

Or head to our Cost of Living Hub for information on what benefits and entitlements you may be able to claim, whatever your circumstances.

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