Parents in East Ayrshire have been reminded they could be eligible for financial help with school clothing and shoes ahead of schools returning.

Those who qualify in East Ayrshire can receive grants of £120 per primary school-aged child and £150 per secondary school-aged child.

National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is urging households to check their eligibility for support before schools return from the summer holidays next month.

Most councils accept applications from July until the end of March the following year, with payments made in July or August before the new school year starts.

Typically, you can apply for a grant if you receive any of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  •  Income Support
  •  Income based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Any income related element of Employment and Support Allowance
  •  Child Tax Credit, but not Working Tax Credit
  • Both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Some also accept applications from those receiving Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.

In East Ayrshire, the grant can only be paid once per year.

If your child is intending to stay on after fourth or fifth year, any award will not be paid until they return to school in August. 

You can find out more information about the grant, as well as possible school meal support on the East Ayrshire Council website.

Kinds are due to return to the classrooms in East Ayrshire on Wednesday, August 21.