We are aware that many families may be experiencing a change in their financial situation, particularly during this current pandemic and we feel that you may find it useful for us to share information about the different types of funding that is available to support you at this time.
Please click on the links below to access information on a variety of support services.
Please click on the links below to access information on a variety of support services.
Young Persons' Free Bus Travel. All 5-21 year olds resident in Scotland are eligible from 31 January 2022 for Young Persons' Free Bus Travel, using a National Entitlement Card with the free bus travel product on it. Without this, you will be unable to travel for free on bus services in Scotland.
Info for parents and guardians - If you are a parent or guardian of a 5-15 year old then you must apply on their behalf. This will allow you to continue to exercise responsibility over their wellbeing and safety. Remember that free bus travel is available nationwide. This means your child can travel across Scotland, so please take care when making the decision about applying for them.
Info for parents and guardians - If you are a parent or guardian of a 5-15 year old then you must apply on their behalf. This will allow you to continue to exercise responsibility over their wellbeing and safety. Remember that free bus travel is available nationwide. This means your child can travel across Scotland, so please take care when making the decision about applying for them.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) provides financial support to young people 16+ who are living in a family with a reduced income. The aim is to help reduce financial barriers that may restrict young people from remaining in post-16 education. EMAs are payments of £30 per week, normally paid fortnightly in arrears, dependent on your attendance and conduct at your school, college or learning centre.
Free School meals and clothing allowance – Orkney Islands Council provides assistance with free school meals and clothing allowances to families on a low income who meet the eligibility criteria. To be awarded this assistance, proof must be provided that you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit.
The current clothing allowance is £120.00 per eligible primary child and £150.00 per secondary child. This is paid once per year, normally between August and 31 March, depending on when you submit your application.
The current clothing allowance is £120.00 per eligible primary child and £150.00 per secondary child. This is paid once per year, normally between August and 31 March, depending on when you submit your application.
Scottish Child Payment - For families with children under 6 years old. This is £10 per week for each child under 6 and is only available to those in receipt of an income related benefit like universal credit or tax credits.
Scottish Child Payment Bridging Payment - this is made to parents entitled to claim Free School Meals – these are 4 payments of £130 each in 2022 with each timed to the start of school holidays – Easter, Summer, October and December. You get £130 per child who is receiving Free School Meals. These payments are likely to be for 2022 only as they are intended to bridge the gap before the Child Payment is rolled out to older children.
THAW Orkney - If you are finding it difficult to heat your home, struggling with debt or are looking for any further assistance with energy efficiency matters then THAW may be able to help you.
They provide a bespoke service which can involve hand holding support if required. They can also advocate and act as a third party on your behalf.
They provide a bespoke service which can involve hand holding support if required. They can also advocate and act as a third party on your behalf.
Orkney Food bank – Orkney foodbank provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
Orkney Charitable trust - Raise and distribute funds to help people under 25 who live in the Orkney Islands. Their funds will be available to young people in times of ill health, disability, hardship or disadvantage. Grants available in their Every Child Deserves a Christmas initiative. £60 per child available.
Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau – Can provide help for anyone struggling to deal with any bills or debts. They can also provide anyone with a free and confidential benefit check. This can be done over the phone, by video call or face to face in their office or in your home. To do this check they would need to know your household income, saving and circumstances – they do not share this information with anyone else.
Universal Credit - Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly - or twice a month for some people in Scotland. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
Jobseeker's Allowance - You can apply for ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you’re looking for work.
Employment and Support Allowance - You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. You may also be able to get ESA if you were unable to work while self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Child Tax Credit - Child Tax Credit is paid to help people with the costs of bringing up a child. You get money for each child that qualifies.
Working Tax Credit - Working Tax Credit is money provided to boost the income of working people who are on a low income.
Every child deserves a Christmas – Life brings unexpected challenges and at Christmas these pressures can feel even greater. The recovery from the COVID crisis brings even more pressures and challenges this year. This grant provides assistance towards a Child’s Christmas.
Photo used under Creative Commons from shixart1985
