DENBIGHSHIRE County Council is informing parents and guardians they can now apply for school uniform and equipment grants.

The grant scheme, known as the Pupil Development Grant, is open for applications, and people may qualify if they receive at least one benefit, such as:

• Income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance.

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

• Child tax credit (but not working tax credit) with an annual income below £16,190 (April 2011).

• Pension credit (guaranteed credit).

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

• Universal Credit and your yearly net earnings must be no more than £7,400.

Parents or guardians who receive a qualifying benefit can receive a grant of £225 if their children are in Reception or Years One to 11.

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If the child is in Year Seven, parents/guardians may be entitled to a grant of £300 if they receive one of the benefits.

The grant can cover:

• School uniform.

• School sports kit.

• Kit for sports outside of school.

• Uniform for wider activities such as Scouts and Guides.

• Equipment for activities to support the curriculum, such as design and technology.

• Equipment for out of school hours trips, including outdoor learning.

• Duke of Edinburgh activities and computers, laptops and tablets.

People cannot receive a school uniform and equipment grant if they are in receipt of Working Tax Credit.

If your child goes to a school in Denbighshire, you can apply online for a grant by visiting: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/school-uniform-grant.

People that are eligible for free school meals, as well as the school uniform and equipment grant, may use the same online application form to apply for both.

Cllr Gill German, deputy leader and cabinet lead member for education, children and families, said: “We recognise that families are feeling the pressure due to the cost of living issues and will be looking for further financial support to assist them with meeting increasing costs.

“It can be a tough time of year for families and this grant funding can be a real lifeline to assist in paying for these goods.

“I’m delighted that this grant has been extended by Welsh Government this year to include all year groups and I would urge all eligible families in Denbighshire to apply.”

Cllr Gwyneth Ellis, cabinet lead member for finance and strategic assets, added: “Denbighshire is pleased to be working with Welsh Government on administering this funding stream that will provide assistance and some peace of mind for those families struggling in these times.

“We want to make the process as seamless as possible and updated guidance has been issued online to assist."