Financial Supports
There are a number of financial supports and grants available for families with school-age children. Some are specifically designed to support children and young people in school, and some are designed to support families. Please see below for useful information and links.
Free School Meals
Parents who are receiving benefits or tax credits may be eligible to have the cost of their child’s school meals covered.
School Clothing Grant
The School Clothing Grant is available to families who are receiving specific benefits or tax credits, similar to the Free School Meal entitlement. Families receive a minimum of £120 per child of primary school age and £150 per child of secondary school age.
Best Start Grant school age payment
(for parents who may also have children of primary school age.)
A grant of £267.65 to help with the cost of starting PRIMARY school. Families are eligible if they are responsible for a child under 6 and receive a qualifying benefit.
Scottish Child Payment
The Scottish Child Payment is a weekly payment of £25 for every eligible child under 16 years of age. Payment is made every four weeks. The parent in receipt should be resident in Scotland and entitled to a qualifying benefit.
Education Maintenance Allowance
A fund for families with a child between the ages of 16 and 19 who is in full-time, non-advanced education with a limited household income.
Abernecessities Support
If your family is struggling for basic provisions there is a charity that aims to help in providing these provisions (from clothes and toiletries, to nappies, bedding, and washing powder). Please see the information on the website and if this is something you would like to take forward ask your child to speak to their guidance teacher about taking this forward. This is because the application must be submitted by a teacher, healthcare professional or social worker on behalf of the applicant(s). You can also donate to this charity to assist other families in being provided with items that no child should go without.
Young Carer Grants
A yearly payment of £305.10 for young carers aged between 16-18 years old in Scotland.
The Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust can help to provide emergency food for three days, can direct you to your nearest foodbank and can help you search for financial grants which you may be entitled to
Turn2Us
Helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.
Child Disability Payment
DLA for children may help with the extra costs of looking after a child who meets the eligibility requirements. The rate is between £23.60 & £151.40 a week and depends on the level of need.
Scottish Welfare Fund
Those on low incomes may be able to get a crisis grant from the Council. This is a payment to help during an emergency, disaster, or unexpected expenses. Crisis grants do not have to be paid back.
ACC - Benefits and Money Service
If you live in Aberdeen city, our benefits and money advice team can provide free, impartial and confidential advice.