Cost of Living Support | Balmerino Primary School

The cost of living is rising but there is help available. Help is not just for people who are out of work, it is also there for those who are in work and on a low income and some of the support is available to all, without being means tested.

Applications for school clothing grants and free school meals are open for 2023-24. All children in P1-5 get a free lunch but if you are on a low income you can apply for Free School Meals meaning your child gets free milk, a clothing grant and you receive payments over holidays as well. For more, and to find out if you qualify, visit www.fife.gov.uk/schoolbenefits

Nursery children receive a free lunch and milk at school each day but you can only register and receive the clothing grant once they are entering P1. Nursery parents on a low income can apply for the Best Start Grant.

The Best Start Grant supports families on a low income. You can get a payment when your child is a baby, again when they are nursery age and again when they start school. But you need to apply each time – click here to find out more.

Free Meals in the Holidays – open to all

Fife Council’s hugely successful Cafe Inc. will be serving up free lunches across Fife during the upcoming school holidays. The service will run at various venues to provide a free, midday meal for local children, young people and families.

To find out where your nearest Cafe Inc venue is located check out the interactive map on www.fife.gov.uk/cafeinc

The cost of living crisis affects everyone, especially those working but just getting by. If this sounds familiar to you, try using the Fife Benefit checker – fife.entitledto.co.uk/home/start to see if there’s any support you might be entitled to. You may qualify for more than you think.

If you don’t meet the thresholds, there’s still help out there for you. Some of the support on offer anyone can get, such as:

free bus travel for under 22s – Support with transport costs | Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)
Café Inc lunch clubs and community fridges/pantries – Support with food | Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)
free period products – Supporting your health | Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)
money advice – Increase your income | Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)
mortgage support – Support with your home | Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)
advice on fuel and energy costs – Support with heating & utility costs | Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. For more advice on coping with the rising cost of living, go to Cost of Living Support (fife.scot)

Click Here to access a list of benefits you may be entitled to if you are on a low income.

Click Here for more information about support with food.

Cosy Kingdom offer free and impartial energy and debt advice service available to all tenants and homeowners across Fife: 01592 807930 (Mon-Fri 10-3), or email info@cosykingdom.org.uk

Scottish Welfare Fund provides a safety net for vulnerable people on low incomes by providing Community Care Grants and Crisis Grants: 0300 555 0265 (Mon-Fri 9-2:30)

Any parent at any time can come to Mrs Jess for advice about the cost of living or the cost of the school day. It is always our aim to ask for donations of money as rarely as possible and no child will ever miss out because they can’t meet the cost of a donation.

Balmerino Primary School, Gauldry, DD6 8RP