Families across the UK can access vital financial support amidst the cost-of-living crisis
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00:00The start of the next academic year might still be a good few months away, but already parents will be thinking about getting their financial ducks in a row as they get everything ready for another school year.
00:11But as the cost of living crisis rolls on, school uniforms and supplies are but two more areas in which many families find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
00:20So what support is available for those who may be facing extra challenge with the cost of new school clothing?
00:26I'm Jobs and Finance Specialist Alex Nelson, and here's everything you need to know about the financial support that's available to you.
00:33The financial support available to households when it comes to school uniforms differs somewhat between the devolved nations, so we'll go through them one by one.
00:42In England, it used to be that families could apply for a school uniform grant, but the allocation of those funds has since been delegated to local authorities like councils.
00:51This means that the criteria you need to meet to qualify for grants and other assistance can differ depending on where you live.
00:58Check with your child's school or your local council for more information.
01:03In Scotland, the school clothing grant is a cash sum deposited directly into your bank account to assist with the cost of school clothes and footwear.
01:11To apply for the grant, contact your local council. You may also be able to apply for free school meals at the same time as you apply for the clothing grant.
01:20In Wales, the school essentials grant is open to families on low income who qualify for certain benefits, and covers all school years from reception right through to year 11.
01:30All looked after children qualify for the grant, regardless of whether they receive free school meals or not.
01:36Again, for more details on eligibility or the application process, you should contact your local authority directly.
01:43And finally, in Northern Ireland, the Department of Education offers the Clothing Allowance Scheme, which has eligibility criteria similar to those for free school meals, and applies to pupils in primary, post-primary and special schools.
01:55To apply for a school uniform grant in Northern Ireland, contact the Education Authority.