Support for children and families
Find out about advice and support available for children and families to help with the cost of living.
Clothing Grant and Free School Meals
You can apply if your child attends a school in East Renfrewshire and you receive a qualifying benefit. Check the full list of qualifying benefits for clothing grant and free school meals.
How much can I get?
For the academic year 2023-24 the amount of clothing grant you can get is £120 per primary school child and £150 per secondary school child.
How do I apply?
You can Apply online for clothing grant and free school meals
Education Maintenance Allowance
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment of £30 to help support students in education after the school leaving age of 16. Check if you qualify for EMA.
How do I apply?
You can Apply online for Education Maintenance Allowance
Increased Early Learning and Childcare
If you get free school meals or a clothing grant, you may also be eligible for extra funded childcare for any pre school children.
2 year olds in families who qualify can get 1140 hours of free early learning and childcare.
How do I apply?
You can apply online for a nursery place for a 2 year old.
School age payment
If you have a child starting school you may also be eligible for £252.50 School Age Payment to help with the cost of starting school.
For further information and to apply visit the Scottish Government Best Starts Grant webpage.
Free bus travel
Young people aged 5-21 years old are now eligible for a National entitlement card giving free bus travel.
To apply sign up for MyEastRen www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/login
