Claim your school clothing grant now
Published 10 July 2026
Parents and carers who could receive financial support to buy school uniforms should apply now to ensure they receive their money in time for the start of the new term.
Parents and carers can apply for a clothing allowance of £150 per child for secondary pupils and £120 for primary pupils.
Parents and carers of children automatically awarded the grant last year may still be required to provide proof of earnings. Parents and carers whose circumstances have changed since last year and new applicants must complete a new application.
To claim clothing grants and free school meals, parents and carers must be in receipt of the following benefits or circumstances:
· Income Support
· Universal Credit with an annual income of up to £12,940 (£1,078.33 per month)
· Jobseekers Allowance (income based)
· Guaranteed Pension Credit
· Employment and Support Allowance (income related)
· Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
· The subject of a kinship care order or a child falling within section 71(3)(f) of the Act (referred to here as a child having a parent appointed guardian)
Parents and carers are eligible for a school clothing grant if they receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. This is a separate qualifying route for the clothing grant only and does not include council tax discounts, such as the 25% single person discount.
School Clothing Grants will not be paid for children reaching school leaving age of 16 years old between 1 March and 30 September 2026, until they return to school in the new session.
Many schools in West Dunbartonshire operate a dress code which includes all pupils wearing a designated uniform as this helps to create a strong school identity and ethos amongst pupils. The school clothing grant should help all parents and carers follow the dress code and guidelines at their children’s school.
Councillor William Rooney, Convener of Corporate Services, said: "The cost-of-living continues to place considerable pressure on household finances, and I am pleased that we can provide support to eligible parents and carers through the school clothing grant. I would encourage all eligible parents and carers to apply now so that they receive their payment before the start of the new school year."
Councillor Lawrence O’Neil, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, said: “School uniforms can be expensive and our aim is to ensure everyone who is entitled to receive help, gets it. The application is straight-forward and I would also ask residents to respond quickly if they are asked for further information, as this helps to speed up the process and issuing of grants to parents and carers so they can prepare for the new term.”
For further information on what documents are required to process your claim and to apply please visit
If you have already submitted an application, you don’t need to complete another one. The Council will process your application as quickly as possible and you will be notified of the outcome.