Schools and learning

How can we help? - with school expenses for families on low income.

If your family has a low income we may be able to give you financial assistance while your children are learning. You can apply for free school meals, help with travel costs, music fees and cycle training.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for financial help, you need to be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Income Support or Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Child Tax Credit - with a taxable income no more than £15,575 and not in receipt of Working Tax Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit Element)
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit – payable at a rate higher than the family element ie: £547.50 (this is £1,095.00 if you also have a child under one year old)
• Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Benefit (not including second adult rebate)

What will I need to complete the online application?

You will need to have the following available before you start your online application:

• Your National Insurance Number (and pupil's if over 16)
• Welfare benefit details, including start date
• Names and dates of birth of child/children
• Details of school(s) attended and date(s) started
• Name of district or borough council where council tax is paid

I'm ready to apply online - what do I do now?

The link on this page will take you straight to the online application form. It should take about 20 minutes to complete, but no part of your application will be saved until you select the 'Submit Form' button at the end.

When you have completed and submitted your on line form, you will given the option of printing a confirmation letter . For this you will need to have Adobe Acrobat on your PC. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat, or a printer, we will print the letter and send it to the address you have given us.