Help For Families In Fife

Low income families across the Kingdom are being encouraged to apply for free school meals.

Fife Council's written to more than 8, 500 households to let them know they can also apply for help towards school clothing for the 2015-16 financial year.

Councillor Bryan Poole, Spokesperson for Education, Children, Young People and Families said: “Sadly too many children in Fife are living in poverty and too many families are finding it hard to make ends meet. If you are entitled to this bit of help, please make sure you apply.

“All P1 - P3 pupils are entitled to receive free school meals now without any application, but you must apply for older children. MyFife cards remove any stigma associated with free school meals for youngsters at secondary school as the smartcards are loaded with credit and no one is paying with cash.

“The school clothing grant is £55 and the earliest payment date is 4 June. Don’t forget to apply for this separately if your child automatically gets free school meals because they’re in P1-3.”

Check eligibility and apply online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/benefits

If you don't have a computer or mobile device with an internet connection, you could use a public access PC at any community library or an internet café. Libraries also run taster sessions to help you with the basics of using a computer if it’s new to you.

If you need help completing the application form, contact the Benefits & Council Tax Team online at www.fifedirect.org.uk/contactrevenues or call 03451 55 11 55.

If you don’t already receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction you will need to provide evidence of your income. To qualify for free school meals and school clothing grant, you must receive one of the following:

• Income support
• Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
• Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related)
• Child Tax Credit only with income below £16,105
• Child Tax Credit & Working Tax Credit with income below £6420
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
• Universal Credit
• Long Term Incapacity Benefit (school clothing grant only)
• Widows Allowance if not in full time employment (school clothing grant only)
• Working Tax Credit only with income below £16,105 (School clothing grant only)