Help for children
Your child may be eligible for Free school meals - If your child is under 19 and in full-time education, and you receive certain benefits, you may be able to get free school meals for them.
In Kent, 21% of children receive free school meals. If you are eligible and register your child will get:
- a choice of delicious, healthy hot meals every school day at no cost
- meals to cater for cultural, dietary, and religious requirements
- a £10 food voucher per eligible child each week during the school holidays.
Help with uniforms
If you are facing financial difficulties making it hard to buy school clothing, we recommend you speak to your child's school to find out if they sell uniforms that have been used before at a reduced rate or the Citizen's Advice Bureau who can offer advice and support on school costs including school clothing.
Help with bills
You can take every day actions to reduce the energy you use and lower your energy bills, you can also make improvements to your home to save energy. See what support is available to help with the cost of living and save money with energy saving tips on GOV.UK's help for households campaign.
Foodbanks
Food banks offer a valuable service that helps many people. They operate in different ways, so please contact the food bank if you have any questions. Find available foodbanks in Gravesham.
Money advice
Managing money in a correct and an efficient manner can be difficult. Get free guidance on how to manage your money.
Warm spaces across Gravesham
We know that many of our residents, especially those on low incomes or with vulnerabilities can face living in cold, poorly insulated homes.
Find information about support available, including warm places to visit in the community.
Healthy Start Scheme
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify.
If you’re pregnant and under 18 you can claim even if you do not receive any benefits.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops.
Find out more about the Health Start Scheme.
Tax-Free Childcare
You may be eligible for tax free childcare depending on:
- if you’re working (employed, self-employed, or both)
- your income (and your partner’s income, if you have one)
- your child’s age and circumstances
- your immigration status
Read more about tax free child care on the GOV.UK website.
Help with travel
Within Medway, Arriva and Chalkwell are participating in the £2 bus fare cap scheme. This means that single bus fares will be capped at £2. Visit Medway’s website for more information.