Parents and carers in Dunbartonshire who could receive financial support to buy school uniforms should apply now to ensure they receive their money before the new term.
Grant amounts and eligibility
A clothing grant allowance of £150 per child for secondary pupils and £120 for primary pupils is available but those automatically awarded the grant last year may still be required to provide proof of earnings.
Parents and carers whose circumstances have changed since last year and new applicants must complete a new application.
Benefits and qualifying criteria
To claim clothing grants and free school meals, parents and carers must be in receipt of the following benefits or circumstances:
- Income Support
- Universal Credit with an annual income of up to £12,940 (£1,078.33 per month)
- Jobseekers Allowance (income based)
- Guaranteed Pension Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (income related)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration Asylum Act 1999
Parents and carers are also eligible for a school clothing grant if they receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
Council officials urge early applications
Councillor William Rooney, convener of corporate services, said: “The cost of living continues to place considerable pressure on household finances, and I am pleased that we can provide support to eligible parents and carers through the school clothing grant.”
“I would encourage all eligible parents and carers to apply now so that they receive their payment before the start of the new school year.”
Councillor Lawrence O’Neil, vice-convener of corporate services, added: “School uniforms can be expensive and our aim is to ensure everyone who is entitled to receive help, gets it.”
“The application is straight-forward and I would also ask residents to respond quickly if they are asked for further information, as this helps to speed up the process and issuing of grants to parents and carers so they can prepare for the new term.”
Additional rules and free school meals
School Clothing Grants will not be paid for children reaching school leaving age of 16 years old between March 1 and September 30, 2026, until they return to school in the new session.
Children in Primary 1-5 are automatically entitled to free school meals but applications must still be made for the School Clothing Grant.
Pupils in P6 and P7 are entitled to free school meals where the parent or guardian receives the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) for the child. An application must be made for this and proof that you are currently in receipt of the SCP also provided. This should be an official letter from Social Security Scotland confirming that you receive the SCP for the child/children you are applying for. Alternatively, you can upload a bank statement showing recent receipt of SCP which should also show your National Insurance Number.
Child Benefit does not give entitlement to free school meals for your child under this initiative. Please note that if your child qualifies for free school meals under this condition only, you will not be entitled to receive payments for meals during the school holidays.
For further information on what documents are required to process your claim, and to apply, visit the West Dunbartonshire Council website.
