Getting Ready For School

School Clothing Grants – What Are They? 

A school clothing grant is money paid directly to your bank account so you can buy school uniforms for your child. Eligible families may receive: 

• £120 for primary-aged children, plus a £50 winter payment 
• £150 for secondary-aged children, plus a £50 winter payment 

Depending on when you apply, you may get one payment before the school year starts and a second one in October.  Applications open 2 June 2025 and close 31 March 2026. 

 Who Can Apply? 

Your child may qualify if they attend a school in Renfrewshire and you receive: 

• Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction 
• Universal Credit (if monthly earned income is £850 or less) 
• Income Support 
• Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 

You can apply even if your child attends a special school outside Renfrewshire, provided you meet the benefit criteria. 

❌ Nursery children are not eligible. Clothing grants are only available for school-aged children. 

 Apply for Free School Meals at the Same Time 

You can apply for free school meals and holiday meal payments on the same application form. It’s quick, easy, and only needs to be done once each school year. 

 What You’ll Need to Apply 

• Your National Insurance number 
• Evidence of your benefits or income 
• Details of the child/children (name, DOB, school) 
• Your bank account details for payment 

Apply online through MyAccount at mygov.scot. 

Need help? Contact your child’s school or phone 0300 300 0300

Additional Support for Families 

You may also be entitled to other grants and benefits: 

• Scottish Child Payment 
• Best Start Grant (Pregnancy, Early Learning, School Age) 
• Best Start Foods 
• Child Benefit 
• Child Disability Payment 
• Universal Credit
• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) – for young people aged 16–19 in education (£30/week) 

 Help Paying for Childcare 

You may also be eligible for free or subsidised childcare: 

• Funded childcare for 3–5 year olds (and some 2 year olds). Apply through Renfrewshire Council or ask your childcare provider. 
• Help with paying for registered childcare such as nurseries, playgroups, childminders, or out-of-school care  ( Universal Credit can cover up to 85% of cost) 
• If you’re working and earning at least the minimum income threshold, you may be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare. Apply online at: www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare 

To find out more, speak to the WHA Financial Wellbeing Team—we can guide you through the forms and make sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. 

📞 Kamila (Mon–Fri), Anne (Wed–Thu), or Susan (Thu–Fri) 

Let us help you start the school year stress-free and financially prepared!