Back-to-school support and money-saving tips | Tenant news

The summer holidays can be an expensive time for families, but as the new school year approaches, there are ways to keep some of those back-to-school costs down.

You may be able to get help with school uniforms, food and other costs, so it’s worth checking what support is available to you before the new term begins.

Uniform support

School uniforms can be one of the biggest back-to-school costs, especially if you have more than one child.

Before buying new items, check if your local council offers help with the cost of school uniforms. Some councils provide grants or vouchers for families who qualify.

It's also worth asking your child's school if they have a second-hand uniform shop or swap scheme. Many schools and local community groups sell good quality uniforms at a lower price.

If you're a Habinteg tenant experiencing financial hardship, you may also be able to get help through our Tenant Support Fund.

In some cases, the fund can help with the cost of school uniforms and other essential items. Visit www.habinteg.org.uk/tenant-support-fund for more information.

Check your benefits

If your circumstances have changed, or you haven't checked for a while, now is a good time to see if you're getting all the financial support you're entitled to.

You may be able to get help with free school meals, Universal Credit or other benefits. Some families may qualify for Healthy Start, a scheme that provides support towards the cost of healthy food and milk for pregnant women and families with young children.

There are also free online benefits calculators that can help you check what's available. You can find a list of online calculators at www.habinteg.org.uk/your-money.

Habinteg has also partnered with the UK’s leading Disabled People’s Organisation Disability Rights UK (DRUK) to provide expert benefits advice that will help you take control of your money.

To get a referral, please call our Rent Assist Team on 0300 365 3100, choose option 5. Find out more by visiting https://www.habinteg.org.uk/rent-assist.

If you’d rather speak to someone, Citizens Advice offers free and confidential advice. You can also visit Money Advice Trust, a national charity that helps people avoid financial difficulties and deal with problem debt.

Save on supplies

Buying everything at once can put pressure on your budget. If possible, spread purchases over a few weeks and only replace items that are genuinely needed.

Before heading to the shops, check what you already have at home. Lunch boxes, backpacks, pencil cases and stationery may still be in good condition from the previous year.

Comparing prices between retailers can also help you find better value, while supermarket own-brand stationery is often much cheaper than branded products.

Where to find help

If you're worried about covering back-to-school costs, you're not alone. MoneyHelper offers free, impartial guidance on money and benefits, while Turn2us can help you check what benefits and grants you may be entitled to.

You can contact Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email direct@habinteg.org.uk if you're struggling with essential household costs.

Citizens Advice also offers free, confidential advice about money, benefits and other support you may be entitled to.

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