Stepping up to raise a child can be expensive, and money worries are common for kinship carers. Find out what financial support and benefits are available to you.
Help with school costs
Stepping up to raise a child can incur additional costs, such as paying for a school uniform or school meals. Here’s how to get financial help with school costs.
This advice applies to: England and Wales
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Help to pay for school uniforms
Government guidance states that all schools make second-hand uniforms available and accessible for parents and carers. Before the new school year starts, you can also find discounted school uniforms at various supermarkets.
Help in England for school uniforms
In England, individual councils can decide whether to offer a school uniform grant of up to £150. You will need to contact your local council to ask if they provide extra school uniform support.
Help in Wales for school uniforms
If you live in Wales, you might be eligible for a Pupil Development Grant. Families are only entitled to claim once per child, per school year.
When to apply for help with school uniforms
Many councils in England and Wales set their own deadlines, but typically applications open by the end of June and stay open until the end of September. Applications should be made directly to your local council.
Help with transport costs
If your child’s nearest suitable school is beyond statutory walking distance from their home, the Council has a duty to provide a free travel pass. Find out if your child is eligible through your local council website.
How to get free school meals
Schools must provide some children with a free meal at lunchtime. There are different schemes for free school meals in various parts of the UK.
Free school meals in England
In England, if you have children at a government-funded school in reception, year 1 or year 2 they will be entitled to free school meals regardless of your household income. Find out if your child is eligible for a free school meal through your local council website.
Free school meals in Wales
In Wales, free school meals are available to eligible children who attend a maintained school. All primary school children in Wales can access Universal Primary Free School Meals.
Help with childcare costs
For many kinship carers, childcare is an essential part of your support network. The type of childcare you can access depends on how old your child is, your family’s needs and your financial circumstances.
Charity grants
Turn2us is a national charity that has an easy-to-use grant search that will match you with any grants you may be eligible for. These are grants that you do not need to pay back.
Related advice and information
Everything you need to know about claiming Child Benefit as a kinship carer, including links to the latest government information.
Pupil Premium Plus is special funding for schools in England to promote the education of pupils who are or have been in the care of children’s services.
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