School costs

We may be able to help pay for school uniforms and stationery if you're on a low income or a benefit. You will need to pay this money back.

Apply through MyMSD, or call us.

We may be able to help with the costs of some school fees and activities if there is an immediate and essential need for them. You will need to pay this money back.

These costs could be:

• exam fees
• attendance dues.

Some schools may ask that students have computing equipment, e.g. an iPad, laptop or tablet. If you can't afford to buy these we may be able to help, but you need to talk to the school first to see what options are available.

If you're not on a benefit

You may be able to get a Recoverable Assistance Payment.

If you're on a benefit

You may be able to get an Advance Payment of Benefit.

If you need help with childcare costs, like before or after school care, we may be able to help:

If you’re already getting childcare payments, find out what you need to do to keep getting these:

If you get an OSCAR Subsidy and want it to continue in the new school term, you'll need to let us know:

Uniforms, stationery and school fees

If you're getting Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit, you can get the School and Year Start-up Payment. This is to help pay for uniforms, stationery or school fees. You don't need to pay this back.

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Child is having difficulties at school or showing promise

Extraordinary Care Fund is for children who are either:

• having difficulties at school that are significantly impacting on their development
• showing promise through high achievement in a particular area, e.g. music or sport.

You need to be getting Unsupported Child's Benefit or Orphan's Benefit to apply for this.

There may be other supports available in your local community. Check what's available by searching in the Family Services Directory for help with things like school items or costs. You can also find other services like financial planning, childcare and finding a local food bank.