Q: I’m a single parent and lost my job during the pandemic. Citizens Advice Watford helped me apply for Universal Credit, which has been really helpful to cover some of the income I’ve lost. But I’m very worried about the upcoming £20-a-week cut to Universal Credit - I don’t know how I’ll be able to pay for the school uniforms and shoes. Is there any other support out there to help plug the gap?
A: If you’re on a low income or employed, you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school, including school meals and transport. It’s always worth talking to Hertfordshire County Council to see what support is available.
Free school meals
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. If you have older children you can apply for free school meals if you get certain benefits. In your case, as you’re on Universal Credit and you applied after April 1, 2018 you would be eligible if you earn less than £7,400 a year without benefits. You can see the full list of eligibility requirements on the Citizens Advice website.
You can apply for free school meals online at www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals, or by telephoning the Hertfordshire County Council Educational Benefits Team on 0300 123 4048.
Transport
If your children are aged between five to 16, Hertfordshire County Council might offer free or lower cost transport if you don’t live near school or your child’s unable to walk there, however very few children are eligible for this. 11 to 19-year-olds can apply at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk for a Hertfordshire SaverCard which gives them half price bus travel.
Uniforms and other costs
Hertfordshire County Council might also be able to help with some other costs such as music lessons or trips and activities. There may also be local charitable schemes to help with these costs, it’s worth checking with the school to see if it knows of any. The county council do not help with uniform costs. Do talk to your child’s school to see if they can help, and to ask about finding second-hand uniforms.
What’s next
If your child is staying in education after Year 11, you must tell HMRC’s Child Benefit Office if you want to continue receiving child benefit and any extra support for children within means-tested benefits. When your child turns 16, HMRC will send you a letter asking whether your child will stay in education or training. You must reply to this letter to keep getting Child Benefit.
Everyone’s circumstances are different. If you need more specific support or don’t feel able to manage your situation alone, call Citizens Advice Watford on freephone 0800 144 8848
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