Families residing in Wales are being advised about the possibility of receiving financial assistance towards school uniforms through the Welsh Government School Essentials Grant.
Launched last month, this grant aims to alleviate the burden of school uniform expenses, including sports kits and equipment, for eligible parents.
Those who qualify for free school meals in Wales, based on the following benefits, are eligible:– Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
– Income-related employment and support allowance
– Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
– Guarantee element of pension credit
– Child tax credit (provided the parent’s annual gross income does not exceed £16,190 and they are not entitled to working tax credit)
– Working tax credit run-on (paid for four weeks after a claimant stops qualifying for working tax credit)
– Universal credit, with an annualized net-earned income not exceeding £7,400 (applicable from 1st April 2019)
Previously, eligible families received food, vouchers, or money to cover food costs during holidays and half terms in a scheme designed to address “holiday hunger” during the pandemic.
The scheme for 2023 to 2024 is open in Wales until May 31, 2024.
However, with the recent reduction in the grant amount, it has sparked debates over the Welsh Government’s approach towards addressing the needs of low-income families.