The start of a school year can be tough for many people’s budgets. Here is some advice from Citizens Advice Watford on help available.

On the Citizens Advice website, we have lots of information on support you might be entitled to for school-related costs. If you are claiming benefits it is worth checking whether you can get extra help for things like school lunches, transport and uniforms.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. For older children, you can apply for free school meals if you claim certain types of benefits. The full list is available on our website, and includes Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support.

If your children are aged between five and 16, Hertfordshire County Council might offer free or lower cost transport if you do not live near school or your child’s unable to walk there. 11 to 19-year-olds can apply on www.hertfordshire.gov.uk for a Hertfordshire SaverCard, which gives half price bus travel.

If you are struggling with school uniform costs, talk to your child’s school, as schools can sometimes advise on finding cheap or free second-hand uniforms.

If your child is disabled or has a health condition, remember you can claim Disability Living Allowance (this is not means-tested).

A lot of peoples’ budgets are feeling the squeeze at the moment.

For further help, call us at Citizens Advice Watford on 0800 144 8848.