How to check if you are eligible for financial help to purchase school uniforms ahead of new term

Scottish parents have been urged to check if they are eligible for financial help with school clothing and shoes.

National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is urging households to check their eligibility for support before schools return in August.

Local authorities across Scotland offer clothing grants of at least £120 per primary school-aged child and £150 per secondary school-aged child to families receiving qualifying benefits.

The amount varies between different council areas, for example, £180 for primary school pupils and £225 for secondary pupils in Shetland.

In the Highlands, grants of £160 are available for primary school pupils and £172 for those in secondary school, while in Clackmannanshire, payments amount to £145 for primary school pupils and £185 for those in secondary school.

North Ayrshire, Shetland Islands, and South Lanarkshire councils also offer grants to parents with eligible three and four-year-olds in nursery.

In North Ayrshire, £50 is available, while the early years grant stands at £150 in Shetland and £130 in South Lanarkshire.

Elsewhere, families in Renfrewshire also get an extra winter payment of £50 for each child receiving a school clothing grant to help buy winter gear.

Conor Forbes, policy director at Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Many parents worry about the costs of sending their children back to school after the holidays.

“We know that Scots families are finding things extremely difficult due to the cost of living crisis, especially as kitting out children is becoming increasingly expensive.

“The good news is that help is available, so we urge anyone who might benefit from a clothing grant to make sure they know how to apply and when the relevant deadlines are.

“Eligibility and the amount you will receive varies depending on which local authority area you live in, and this is something we can help you understand.

“Anyone worried or confused can reach out to our team at advice.scot for free advice at any time.”

How to apply

Most councils accept applications from July until the end of March the following year, with payments made in July or August before the new school year starts.

However, this can vary with Clackmannanshire and Stirling councils implementing a December deadline.

In some areas, children starting P1 or returning to S5-S6 must wait for the school to confirm attendance.
Grants are paid directly into recipients’ bank accounts, but those without an account can discuss other payment options.

Some families will have their award automatically renewed if they previously applied successfully.

Advice Direct Scotland is urging those who may have started claiming benefits over the holidays due to a change in circumstances to take action.

Additionally, families with a child starting school for the first time or who have recently moved to a different council area are encouraged to check their eligibility.

Are you eligible for cash help for school clothes?

Parents looking for financial support with school clothing will be able to check their council website to see how they can apply or whether they are eligible.

Typically parents can apply for the grant if they received the following benefits:

Universal Credit
Income Support
Income based Job Seekers Allowance
Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit
Both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Some also accept applications from those receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction
Those aged between 16 and 18 who receive these benefits independently may qualify for a school clothing grant, depending on where they live, or possibly apply for an Educational Maintenance Allowance instead