Education Welfare BenefitsEducation Welfare Benefits are tax-free benefits which are issued by the local education boards.
The benefits mentioned below are not available to pupils who attend independent schools.
Pupils who attend residential schools may be entitled to some assistance with school clothing - you should enquire further at your local education board.
Free school meals
If you receive Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based) your child / children will be entitled to free school meals. Pupils, over 16 years of age, in receipt of Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based) will be entitled to free school meals if they are in full time attendance at a school or college of further education in Northern Ireland.
School clothing
Help with school clothing is available for pupils attending grant-aided secondary (including grammar) schools and special schools as day pupils. If you receive Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income based) you are entitled to a clothing grant for your child / children.
School milk
If a school elects to participate; a child can purchase milk, the cost of which is partially subsidised. You should check with the education board or your child's Head Teacher.
Free travel to and from school
Free travel does not depend on what you earn. You should contact your local education board for qualifying criteria.
Grants
If your children are over compulsory school age and attend a full time course of further education, at a school or college of further education, you can apply for an Educational Maintenance Allowance. The value of the allowance is means tested on the parents income from all sources.
Travel costs
Some assistance may be given for students travelling costs to the nearest suitable college of further education or school sixth form. For further information you should contact your local education board.
Equipment grant
If a student is under 18 years of age, they are entitled to a free place at a college of further education in Northern Ireland, in respect of their attendance on a full time non-advanced level course. The college will provide necessary equipment and refund expenditure on examination fees, books and stationery. This is referred to as Fees Exemption.
Lodging grants
If a student under 19 years of age has to move away from home because the course is not available in their area, they can apply for a discretionary award from their local education board. The amount, if offered, will depend on the level of parental income.
In Northern Ireland there are five education and library boards. The board responsible for considering an application is the one in whose area the customer normally lives, even if the child studies outside that areas.
You should contact your local education board for information about rates and application procedures.
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