It’s certainly no secret that the cost of living is on the rise, which is likely to be causing anxiety for many people. However worrying this time may feel, there is help available for students and those with children in school. Take a look below at the 8 schemes that you may be eligible for and see here for further information: https://gov.wales/financial-support-available-learners-and-their-families

Grants for school uniform, kit, and trips

This grant is open to children from reception age up to those in year 11. Learners may be eligible for £225, or £300 for those starting year 7 due to increased costs incurred with starting secondary school. Parents or guardians will need to contact their local authority to apply.

Education Maintenance Allowance

16-18 year-old learners may be entitled to £30 per week (paid fortnightly) to help them to continue their education. This is to help with further education costs such as meals and transport. Student Finance Wales has more information on how to apply.

Transport costs

Students aged 16 or over may be eligible to receive funding towards transport costs to travel to school or college. Learners should contact their college or local authority for more information.

Free school meals

Open to eligible learners in full-time education from nursery right up to sixth form. Parents or guardians can apply for free school meals for their child on their local authority’s website. Plus, from September 2022, free school meals will begin to be rolled out to children in reception, with all primary school children expected to be able to receive free school meals by 2024. Children in primary school may also be entitled to receive a free breakfast, so parents or guardians should discuss this with their child's school.

Free books

Children aged 3-16 in state schools will receive their own free book thanks to the Schools Love Reading Scheme. Primary schools will be given a selection of books to distribute, whilst secondary school children will receive a book token allowing them to choose their own book.

Free Welsh lessons

Starting from September 2022, this new resource will be open to 16 to 18-year-olds who are in school, college or an apprenticeship scheme. The resource will be provided by Say Something in Welsh and the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Eligible students can find out more from their school or college.

Free access to Office 365 packages

All students and teachers will have a Hwb account giving them access to educational office tools, including a free Microsoft Office 365 license. This can be accessed on smartphones and tablets as well as laptops and computers.

Financial Contingency Fund

This fund is open to further education and Open University students who are struggling financially. This may cover costs such as tuition fees, childcare costs, and transport costs. Students should speak to their college/the Open University about their eligibility

If you are struggling with the cost of living crisis, please remember that you are not alone, and that there is always someone that you can reach out to.

For more information and support, please see the resources below:

• Welsh Government: Get help with the cost of living: https://gov.wales/get-help-cost-living

• Citizens Advice: Get help with the cost of living: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/

• Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

• Mind: Money and Mental Health: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/money-and-mental-health/