Is your child attending primary, secondary/grammar, special school or a Further Education College?

Did you know that there is assistance available towards the cost of a school uniform and/or physical education clothing?

Are you aware that those families who are on benefits or on low income may be entitled to a School Uniform Allowance/Free School Meals?

Mairead Kerr, Services Improvement Manager and Coordinator within the WELB's Administration and Management Division, said: "Given the current economic climate and the hardship that many families now face, the WELB would encourage parents/guardians to apply for their entitlement to the annual School Uniform Allowance and Free School Meals."

She added: "Many low income families unaware of their entitlements or indeed the value of claiming these.

"If entitled, parents/guardians can save annually in excess of £400 per child by up taking Free School Meals and in addition can claim from £35 - £76.50 per child towards the purchase of a school uniform and/or physical education clothing."

Who is entitled?

The Primary School Uniform Allowance will be £35 and will come into effect from the 2009/10 school year. School Uniform Allowance/Free School Meals can be awarded if you are currently in receipt of:

Income Support / Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance / Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance, or if a pupil claims Income Support in their own name; or

Guarantee Element of State Pension Credit; or Child Tax Credit and are not receiving Working Tax Credit because you work less than 16 hours per week and have an annual taxable income of £16,040 or less;

Or you are an Asylum Seeker supported by The Home Office National Asylum Support Service (NASS).

Free School Meals can also be awarded if your child has a statement of special educational needs and is designated to require a special diet.

The School Uniform Allowance does not apply to pupils in attendance at Nursery Schools/Nursery Units/Reception Classes or those pupils qualifying for free school meals under the 'Special Diet' criterion.

How do I apply?

Only one application form is required to be completed for entitlement to the School Uniform Allowance and Free School Meals;

This application form can be obtained from the Western Education and Library Board's Benefits Section, by telephoning 028 8241 1496; or Downloading from the Board's homepage www.welbni.org; Information and assistance is also available from Board staff by telephoning the above number, emailing your queries to benefits@welbni.org or writing to the Benefits Section, WELB HQ, 1 Hospital Road, Omagh, Co Tyrone BT79 0AW.