Families residing in Wales are being advised about the possibility of receiving financial assistance towards school uniforms through the Welsh Government School Essentials Grant.
Launched last month, this grant aims to alleviate the burden of school uniform expenses, including sports kits and equipment, for eligible parents.
As the new term approaches, the grant comes as a much-needed support for many families.
However, it was recently announced that the grant has been reduced by £100 from the previous year, sparking various reactions.
Eligibility for the Grant
To be eligible for the School Essentials Grant, also known as the PDG Access Grant, individuals must meet certain criteria.
Those who qualify for free school meals in Wales, based on the following benefits, are eligible:
– Income support
– Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
– Income-related employment and support allowance
– Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
– Guarantee element of pension credit
– Child tax credit (provided the parent’s annual gross income does not exceed £16,190 and they are not entitled to working tax credit)
– Working tax credit run-on (paid for four weeks after a claimant stops qualifying for working tax credit)
– Universal credit, with an annualized net-earned income not exceeding £7,400 (applicable from 1st April 2019)
Grant Amount
The School Essentials Grant offers financial support to families with low incomes and receiving certain benefits.
The grant provides £125 per learner, while learners entering year seven receive £200 to assist with the increased costs associated with starting secondary school.
However, it is important to note that this year’s grant has been reduced by £100, following the Welsh Government’s decision to discontinue the free school meal holiday provision for eligible children.
Previously, eligible families received food, vouchers, or money to cover food costs during holidays and half terms in a scheme designed to address “holiday hunger” during the pandemic.
Eligibility and Application Process
All compulsory school years from reception up to year 11 now qualify for the School Essentials Grant.
Additionally, all looked-after children qualify for the grant, regardless of whether they receive free school meals or not.
However, learners who receive free school meals due to transitional protection arrangements are not eligible for the grant.
Families can only claim the grant once per child per school year.
The scheme for 2023 to 2024 is open in Wales until May 31, 2024.
To apply for the grant, individuals need to contact their local council.
The Welsh Government website provides a tool to find the respective local authority and offers a direct link to the council’s website for grant application.
Conclusion
The School Essentials Grant in Wales aims to provide much-needed financial support to families facing the burden of school uniform costs.
Eligible parents receiving specific benefits can benefit from this grant, making it easier for their children to access essential school attire.
However, with the recent reduction in the grant amount, it has sparked debates over the Welsh Government’s approach towards addressing the needs of low-income families.
Nevertheless, this initiative is expected to continue benefiting eligible families until the application deadline in May 2024.
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