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Help with school clothing costs

Most families will not get help with school clothing. We only offer help in very rare cases.

Schools and local charities often help with school uniforms. If you do not meet the criteria below, contact your child’s school to see what help is available.

You can also check your local district council’s website for financial support. You can find your local council website on GOV.UK.

We provide help for school badged items only of about:

  • £20 for primary school children

  • £50 for secondary school children

Eligibility criteria

We will consider an application if your child gets free school meals and you meet one of these criteria:

  • your child has to move school because of severe family problems

  • your child’s school clothing was damaged or lost because of a fire or flood

  • your child has an education, health and care plan that means they must change school during the school year

  • your child’s medical condition means they need extra support

  • other exceptional circumstances

Having a low income alone does not count as an exceptional circumstance.

How to apply

Your application must include:

  • which of the criteria you meet and how

  • supporting evidence from a professional, for example, a letter from a social worker, support worker, school or doctor

Give as much information and evidence as you can.

Make your application in writing by email to your local area office:

If your application is refused

If the area co-ordinator refuses your application, you can ask for a review.

Appeals

If your review is refused, you can send a written appeal using the form below: