How to claim £150 towards kid’s uniforms and PE kits

The bill should help low-income families afford new school uniforms for their children. 

What is the grant?

The School Uniform Grant is a government scheme introduced to help families in England with the cost of school uniforms and PE kits. The maximum amount available is £150, but the amount you're eligible for varies depending on your local authority and individual circumstances.

Who can get it?

You’ll need to find out if your local authority offers the grant first. Visit the government's website to check if you're eligible and that your local council can help with costs.

Some councils have already withdrawn from the scheme, such as Northumberland, Cambridgeshire, Cornwall and Stockton. Other councils have decided to offer smaller grants, and some have decided they’ll only offer the grant to children with special educational needs.

If your local authority does offer the grant, you should be able to claim it if you can prove you’re on a low income. Low income is considered an income of less than £16,190 a year. Alternatively, you’ll need to show that you get one of these benefits:

• Income support
• Job seeker's allowance (income-based)
• Child tax credit - provided you’re not entitled to working tax credit
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
• State pension - this benefit must be your sole source of income
• Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Universal Credit.

If your child goes to a private or independently run school, you won’t be eligible for the school uniform grant.

How can I apply?   

To apply for the School Uniform Grant, you’ll need to get in touch with your local council’s school admissions and benefits team.

The highest School Uniform Grant on offer is £150 per child. However, the amount you can apply for will depend upon your local council’s budget and their commitment to the scheme. Whilst some areas are not able to offer the entire grant, they’ll still be offering a contribution towards the cost of uniforms and PE kits.

When applying, you’ll need to provide proof that you’re legally responsible for the child you’re applying for. You’ll also need a recent copy of your bank statement to show proof of income or confirmation that you're getting one of the benefits required.

For kid-friendly lunch ideas that cost less than £1, read on here.