Back to School
Although the September return to school can be a relief for hard-pressed parents, it can also be an expensive time of year. Whatever stage of education your child has reached, it is worth checking out whether you are entitled to any financial help. Schools provide information about applying for uniform grants and free school meals, for example, or the Educational Maintenance Allowance, for students staying on after the age of 16 (for more information on this, check the Directgov website at: moneytolearn.direct.gov.uk). However, there are some less well known kinds of help, one of which is detailed below.
Home Access Grant for computers
In England, the Home Access Grant scheme provides grants to low income families to buy one of the following:
* a computer, a year's internet access and service and support
* a computer with service and support
* one year's internet access.
You might be able to get a Home Access grant if:
* you have children in school years 3 to 9, your children are at a state school, or their education is paid for by the local authority or the government, and
* you get certain benefits, for example income support, guaranteed pension credit or free school meals for your child, and
* you haven't had a grant for a computer from a scheme like this before.
Carers and foster parents for 'looked after children' in school years one to 13 are also eligible to apply for the grant.
You can find out more about the Home Access Grant scheme and get an application form by calling their helpline on 0333 200 1004, emailing them at enquiries@homeaccess.org.uk or looking online at www.homeaccess.org.uk.
(Information from and thanks to Thame and District Citizens Advice Bureau for this article.)
