Help available with uniforms and meals

FIFE Council is urging families on low incomes to apply for free school meals and for help towards buying school clothes.

The l ocal authority has automatically re-awarded grants to more than 4,000 families and has written to a further 3,000 identified as being eligible.

Councillor Fay Sinclair, convener of the education and children’s services committee, said: “If you’re entitled to this bit of help, please make sure you apply.”

While all P1-P3 children are automatically entitled to free school meals, applications must be submitted for older children.

“The earliest payment date for the school clothing grant is June 14,” Mrs Sinclair said. “Don’t forget to apply separately if your child automatically gets free school meals because they’re in P1-P3.”

Eligibility checks and applications can be made online at fifedirect.org.uk/school benefits. Those without internet access can use public PCs at any library and some local offices.

Anyone who needs help completing the application form should contact the benefits and council tax team online at fifedirect.org.uk/ contactrevenues or call 03451 55 11 55.

Those not in receipt of housing benefit or council tax reduction will need to provide evidence of their income.