Due to changes in the Working Tax Credit criteria, more families can now apply for free school meals, uniform and physical education clothing allowance.
If you think you are entitled to any of the above, then read on:
Who is entitled?
For the 2014-2015 school year Free School Meals and/or School Uniform and/or Physical Education Clothing Allowance can be awarded if you are currently in receipt of one of the following benefits:
• Income Support; or
• Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance; or
• Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance; or
• The Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit; or
• Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit with an annual taxable income of £16,190 or less.
Or:-
• if you are an Asylum Seeker supported by the Home Office National Asylum Support Service (NASS); or
• if your child has a statement of special educational needs and is designated to require a special diet.
Note:-
1. Pupils must be in full-time education at school/college.
2. The Clothing Scheme does not apply to pupils in attendance at Nursery School / Nursery Unit / Reception Class / Independent Schools or to pupils qualifying for Free School Meals under the ‘Special Diet’ criteria.
What’s new from September 2014?
The Working Tax Credit criteria up to now has been applicable to eligible pupils of Nursery and Primary School age and those of equivalent age in Special School.
More families can now apply for Free School Meals and/or School Uniform and/or Physical Education Clothing Allowance for the new school year starting September 2014 due to the extension of the Working Tax Credit criteria to include other eligible school/college aged pupils.
Tax Credit eligibility conditions apply i.e. if in receipt of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit you must also have an annual taxable income of £16,190 or less.
What could you save?
Many low income families are unaware of their entitlements or indeed the value of claiming these.
If entitled, parents/guardians can save annually in excess of £400 per child by up taking Free School Meals and in addition can claim, as applicable, an allowance to the value of £22.00 up to £78.00 per child towards the purchase of a school uniform and/or physical education clothing.
When can you apply?
Eligible applicants can apply now for Free School Meals and/or School Uniform and/or Physical Education Clothing Allowance for the next school year commencing September 2014.
Given the current economic climate and the hardship that many families may face, the Education and Library Board is encouraging parents/guardians to apply for their entitlement.
How do you apply?
• Only one application form is required to be completed which can be obtained by contacting the Western Education and Library Board’s Meals and Uniform Section on telephone 028 8241 1496 or by downloading the form from the Board’s homepage www.welbni.org – click on Services or click on the quick link available on the homepage.
• Information and assistance is also available from Board staff by contacting the above number or by emailing your queries to [email protected] or writing to the Meals and Uniform Section, WELB HQ, 1 Hospital Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone BT79 0AW.
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