Applications for Education Maintenance Allowance, Free School Meals and School Clothing Grants for the new academic year now online
West Lothian School pupils who are eligible for extra help with the costs of uniforms, lunches and staying on at school can now submit an online application to ensure they will receive their entitlement at the start of the new academic school year from 16 August.
Online applications for the academic year 2022/2023 are now open via the West Lothian Council website for those pupils who are entitled to Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and Free School Meals/School Clothing Grants.
In the academic year 2021/22, 10,905 pupils in West Lothian benefitted from Free School Meals and 7,468 pupils were awarded a School Clothing Grant.
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an allowance of £30 per week, depending on household income. Students on Activity Agreements (HYPE agreements), are Home Educated, attend Donaldsons or Moorehouse or estranged from parents or in care of the authority can also be paid.
You can find details on eligibility and relevant application forms for the above benefits via the West Lothian Council website.
Please visit: Help with School Costs (opens new window)
If you encounter any issues with the applications forms or have any queries regarding these benefits, please email: EducationBenefits@westlothian.gov.uk
Executive councillor for education, Andrew McGuire said: "With increasing pressures on finances amidst the ongoing rise in the cost of living, it has never been more important to ensure that our pupils are given every chance to succeed in their education.
We would encourage anyone who has children at school to find out whether they are eligible for any of the benefits detailed above and to please get in touch with the council's education benefits team if they need any further advice."
