With the summer holidays here and a new school term approaching, it’s a good time to check you’re getting the financial support you’re entitled to and know what help is available.

If you’re already claiming benefits, it’s important to keep your details up to date. Changes such as starting or leaving a job, changes to your hours or pay, someone moving in or out of your home, growing your family, moving house, or changes to your health and wellbeing can all affect what you receive. 

Even smaller changes like a pay rise, a partner moving in or a change in rent can make a difference, so keeping everything accurate can help avoid problems with payments. Speak to us first for advice.

There’s also support available to help with the cost of back to school. The School Essentials Grant can help with uniforms (including coats and shoes), equipment and activity costs for families receiving certain benefits. Families with children from reception age through to Year 11 can apply online via the Neath Port Talbot Council website or by contacting the child and family team on 01639 763515 to request a postal form.

For older students, the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) offers £40 a week to support 16- to 18- year-olds in further education. It’s available to households with an income of up to £24,570 (for one young person) or £27,273 (for more than one), and students must meet attendance requirements. Applications can be made through Student Finance Wales via the Further Education section, with links and further information also available on the Neath Port Talbot Council website.

If you’re feeling the strain this summer, please don’t struggle alone. Our Financial Inclusion Team is here to support you with everything from checking your benefits to make sure you’re getting what you’re entitled to, to arranging foodbank support or connecting you with other organisations for more specialist help. Even if you don’t claim benefits there could be help available. We’ll always do our best to find practical solutions to make things more manageable.

• 01639 506623
• financialinclusion@taitarian.co.uk