debt toolkit: six-step guide to sorting your finances
Support Officer and debt expert Lee Melling explores the steps you can take to tackle debt effectively. He also reveals how we can help you improve your financial situation.
what can you buy with the payments?
uniform
The grant can be used to pay for school shoes, PE kits and other uniform needed
stationery
You can spend the payment on any educational stationery your child requires
other costs
Any other costs associated with your child starting the new school year
who can apply?
Our back-to-school payment is available for anyone on low income who's in need of financial support. If you receive a means-tested benefit, you automatically quality. You can apply even if you're not receiving any means-tested benefits; simply get in touch with our team and we'll walk you through our means-testing process, which takes your income and capital into account.
You'll need to be the caregiver of any child going into compulsory education from September. If you're not sure if you qualify, you can apply via the full application process by getting in touch. Alternatively, upload your documents to my caba once logged in. For more information on my caba and navigating your online account, visit our helpful FAQs.
when do applications open?
We accept applications for the back to school grant from May - October this year but the payment isn't made until July. You can, of course, apply after July and the payment will be made at a later date.
If you're eligible, our grants are offered internationally, in your local currency and based on age rather than school year.
how much are the payments?
Our grants range from £150 - £275 per child, depending on their age. It's a one off payment which is given in one instalment. Your financial situation will be assessed before granting of the payment as each case is means-tested.
other financial assistance
Here at caba, we also offer cost of living help in the form of an energy costs payment which is available across the UK and internationally. If you're eligible, you could receive a fixed sum to help pay for your gas, oil, electric and water bills. This is on top of any other payment from the government.
If you live outisde the UK, this payment can be put towards air conditioning, batteries or generators. For tips on how to manage your money, check out our handy article exploring 5 simple budgeting tips to help get your finances on track.
dealing with debt
Financial struggles aren’t something to be ashamed of; having open conversations about debt is the first step in tackling it. We can help you to maximise your income and work out a budget to address even the largest of debt issues. You can rest assured that everything you share with us is kept confidential and in no way shared with the ICAEW.
If you're having difficulty in meeting child-related costs or other demands, please contact us to explore ways in which we might be able to assist.
helpful articles
understanding UK benefits
Our in depth UK benefits list explores the different types of benefits and who's eligible to receive them.
cost of living support
If you're struggling to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis, our free and confidential services can help ease your money worries.
pensions: what to do if you haven't got one
If you haven't got a pension, you could be worried about how you're going to afford to live when you retire. Here we discuss what your options are if you don't have a pension to fall-back on during retirement.
your questions answered