HARD-UP Scots families could receive an extra payment to help with the cost of buying winter clothes as we head into the colder months.
Local councils across the country have previously offered support to households with the cost of school clothes and shoes for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Some local authorities are offering families support to buy winter clothes[/caption]
The grant gives hard up parents an extra cash boost to buy warm clothing[/caption]
With the colder weather on the horizon – giving parents extra money for school clothing could be beneficial to families in need.
The School Clothing Grant is worth at least £120 per child of primary school age and £150 per child of secondary school age.
And now two Scottish authorities have offered additional funds for those eligible for the existing grant.
The extra cash is to help provide support towards the cost of warmer clothes.
Families across Aberdeen are to benefit from this additional winter clothing payment.
Anyone already receiving the school clothing grant in 2024/25 will automatically receive an additional £30 payment by the end of the month.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Winter can be a challenging time for many and these payments will continue to help families who are struggling.
“I would encourage anyone concerned about rising costs or are facing difficulties to contact our services and partners to get the support they are entitled to.”
Anti-Poverty and Inequality Vice-Convener Councillor Desmond Bouse said: “We are committed to supporting families in need.
“The additional winter clothing payment will not only assist families but will also ensure that all children have what they need throughout the winter.”
School clothing grants are available to anyone whose child attends an Aberdeen City Council school, or are away to enter Primary 1, and are in receipt of benefits including Income Support, Universal Credit and Housing Benefit.
Students who receive an Education Maintenance Allowance can also apply for a school clothing grant for themselves.
Elsewhere, Renfrewshire Council is offering eligible households an additional fifty pounds to go towards clothing costs.
The extra winter payment is for each child who received a school clothing grant.
The money is paid directly into parents’ bank account. Applications are open until March 2025.
However, some councils have made the deadline December this year.
Advice Direct Scotland is also reminding families to check whether they qualify for the Scottish Government’s Best Start Grant School Age Payment, worth £314.45.
This can help with the costs of preparing for school when a child is first old enough to start P1.
Are you eligible for the School Clothing Grant?
Who can apply and the amount of money you get depends on your local council – but everybody who gets a grant will be entitled to at least £120.
The grant is paid to those who receive certain benefits and you can usually apply online.
Parents eligible for a School Clothing Grant may also be eligible for free school meals and free school transport.
How to apply online for the Scottish School Clothing Grant
You can check how to apply with your local council here.
When you can apply varies per council and you can often apply for free school meals at the same time.
Some councils have not released exactly how much money parents could be granted.
In some areas, children starting P1 or returning to S5-S6 must wait for the school to confirm attendance.
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.”
