Help with back-to-school costs: claim your clothing grant
Being a single parent can be challenging. The School Clothing Grant exists to help reduce some of the financial pressure of preparing for the new school year.
12/06/2025
News
What is it?
The School Clothing Grant is a one-off annual payment which helps families on certain benefits with the cost of school uniforms.
How much is it?
You’ll receive:
- £120 for each primary school child
- £150 for each secondary school child
This can go towards school uniforms, shoes, jackets and other essentials your child needs to start the term.
When will payments be made?
If you got a School Clothing Grant last year and you still meet the eligibility criteria, you don’t need to apply again. Payments will be made automatically from Friday 6 June 2025.
If you don’t get an automatic payment, you can apply online from Monday 9 June 2025.
Applications are processed within four weeks. Make sure to include all the info asked of you with your application, as missing information can delay your payment.
Who is eligible for the grant?
You may qualify for the School Clothing Grant if you receive any of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit, where your earned income is £850 per month or less
- Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction (although single person discount or student exemptions do not count)
- Pension Credit
You’ll need to provide current proof of your benefit when applying. This may include official letters, a full Universal Credit statement, or other documentation depending on the benefit.
Find your local council’s website to apply.
What about older children?
If your child is 16 or older (school-leaving age) by 30 September 2025, you will receive their payment once they go back to school in August. If your payment still hasn’t come through by 12 September 2025, you can get in touch with your local council.