If you are facing financial difficulties there is support available. As everyone’s circumstances will be different, the Council’s Family Information Service (FIS) strongly recommends you take specialist advice before making any decisions about applying for or claiming benefits. FIS produces a Benefits Leaflet with detailed information on the types of benefits available. Call FIS for a copy - 0800 073 1214.
Early Years Entitlement
The Government provides funding for all 3 and 4 year old children to attend an early years provider, starting the term after the child’s 3rd birthday. This funding is called the Early Years Entitlement (formerly the Nursery Education Grant) and is designed to be flexible so you can choose where you want your child to attend and what hours they will attend. Contact FIS for more information - 0800 073 1214.
Free school meals
It may be worth finding out if your children are entitled to eat free meals at school. This will apply if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment Support
- Allowance Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- Child Tax Credit, without any Working Tax Credit, and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty's Revenues and Customs that is not more than £16, 040
- Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
For further information contact 01225 394319.
Transport to school
If you receive free school meals or maximum working tax credit your child can get free transport to and from school. This applies only if they live 2-3 miles from the nearest appropriate school (if aged 8-11), or 2-6 miles from the nearest three secondary schools.
For further information contact 01225 394312.
Useful contacts