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Topics: News
Emma Guinness
The cost of living crisis is hitting families on a lower income the hardest, but there is help available with school uniforms!
This is a must-know for parents as the summer holidays begin, as they could save as much as £150 before the new term starts.
While the scheme isn't available in every UK local authority, it is still worth checking to see if you're eligible.
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In order to get the assistance, you must also meet other criteria such as being in receipt of free school meals, claiming benefits or being on a low income.
A low income is typically classed as a household earning less than in £16,190 in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, and £16,105 in Scotland, according to MoneySavingExpert.
While there is a postcode lottery when it comes to the help and eligibility criteria, parents may also be limited by the age of their children.
However, if you are able to receive the grant, it could take a massive weight off your shoulders!
MoneySavingExpert reports that families in England can receive up to £150 per child, per year toward the cost.
Those in Northern Ireland can get up to £78 per year for secondary school pupils and £35.75 for those in primary (plus an additional £22 toward the cost of their PE kit!).
Parents of children in Scottish primary schools can claim up to £120 per child and £150 per child in secondary school.
But it's even better news for those living in Wales.
Year 7 children in Wales can receive as much as £200 towards the cost of their uniforms, and there's £125 available for those in reception as well as pupils in years 1, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 10.
The average cost of a school uniform in England is £101.19, as reported by The Schoolwear Association.
To check if you are eligible, simply go to the Gov.uk website, type in your postcode, and you will see if it's an option for those in your local authority.
If it is, please keep a close eye on the deadline for applications as they can vary from any time in June until the end of September.
But don't totally despair if it's not an option in your area, as many schools provide assistance with buying uniforms too, so it's worth enquiring with them as well.
You can also get assistance directly from charities, and Turn2Us has a handy tool that lets you see all of the grants you could be eligible for!