At Citizens Advice Manchester we know how difficult it’s been for parents looking after children’s learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The schools being closed has also placed an extra financial burden on a lot of families but it’s important to know that help is out there for parents.

We’ve put together this blog post with plenty of helpful information about that’s out there - whether you’re struggling with school costs and getting the kids online at home, as well as handy tips to lessen the burden once they’re back in the classrooms. 

Getting help with school costs 

If you're on a low income, did you know you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to school, including school meals, transport and uniform? If you get benefits such as tax credits or Employment and Support Allowance then you may be able to claim. 

Free school meals 

You can apply for free school meals for your child if you claim certain benefits - if you’re on Universal Credit, Child Tax credit, Working tax Credit run-on, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Guarantee Credit (as part of Pension Credit) you may be eligible. 

You can apply for free school meals on the gov.uk website. 

Getting kids online at home 

With children having to learn at home due to coronavirus, a lot of schools are giving them work to do online, You should contact the school if there isn’t a computer your child can use or they can’t access the internet - they might give your child a computer or internet access, change the work they have to do, or let them go back to school (as long as they’re not self-isolating.)
If your child doesn’t have access to a computer or internet the government should provide this if they’re in a disadvantaged group, for example if they get free school meals or have been in care. You should ask your child’s school who will apply to the government. 

Did you know Citizens Advice Manchester offers help with digital skills and getting online - we can help with applying for benefits online or the computer skills needed to assist your child’s learning at home.

Help paying for activities and uniforms 

We all know how expensive it is paying for school uniforms and activities such as learning a musical instrument but if you’re on a low income, your local education authority might be able to give you a helping hand with some of these costs. You can find your LEA at www.gov.uk/help-school-clothing-costs. 

Help with transport to and from school 

If your child is aged between 5-16, your LEA might be able to help with free or lower cost transport if you don’t live near school or your child is unable to walk there. Apply to your local LEA - but be aware if there is a school nearby your child could get to more easily, your local authority doesn’t have to pay for their travel. 

If you need help applying or think your child should get free travel but your local education authority has refused, we can help with your application or appeal against a decision.

If you’re struggling with living costs because of coronavirus 

It’s easy to fall behind with living costs and bills due to coronavirus but our team can help you save money and get back on track. Our team can help talk you through budgeting, tell you if you might be eligible for extra financial support or discounts and give you tips to save on household bills. 

If you’re worried about money it’s important to get help straight away. Our independent money advice team provides judgment-free advice and can guide you through your next steps to get your finances back under control.

If you need help or advice you can contact our Adviceline free on 0808 278 7800 or visit our website to find out ways to get advice online.