The School Essentials Grant is available to help families on a low income, with children who attend a maintained primary or secondary school.
You can use the grant to buy things like:
- school uniform,
- sports kit,
- uniform for enrichment activities, such as community sports
- school bags, and
- stationery
You cannot use this grant to buy IT equipment.
If your child is in primary or secondary school
You could get a grant of £200 per child if they are starting year 7.
You could get a grant of £125 per child if they attend primary school or are in years 8, 9, 10, or 11.
If your child is in a special educational setting
You could also get this grant if your child is aged 4 to 15, and is entering either:
- a special school,
- a special needs resource base, or
- a pupil referral unit.
Looked after children
Children under the care of Social Services are eligible for the grant if they:
- are of compulsory school age, and
- attend a school in Cardiff
Asylum seekers and those who are not eligible to claim benefits in the UK
If you are an asylum seeker or a family that isn't eligible to claim benefits in the UK, you are entitled to a grant for the year 2025 to 2026 if your child is:
- entering any primary year group, or
- entering years 7 to 11.
If you have a share code, you will need to provide this. You can get your share code on the UK Government website.
Who can apply
To apply, you must be claiming either:
- Income Support,
- Jobseeker's Allowance (income-based),
- Employment Support Allowance (income related),
- Child Tax Credit, with a household income of £16,190 or less,
- Pension Credit (guarantee element), or
- Universal Credit with net household earnings of less than £7,400.
If you get free school meals due to transitional protection, you will only be eligible if you meet the criteria.
If you meet the criteria, please complete the School Essentials Grant application form. We will check if you are entitled to this payment with the Department for Work and Pensions.
If you receive Working Tax Credit, you will not be entitled to the grant.
How to apply
Apply for the School Essentials Grant
If you need help or have any questions you can contact us.
Tel: 029 2087 1071
