Hardship Support
At Kingswood Academy we are passionate about ensuring that every child is able to fully engage in all learning, wider personal development and wellbeing experiences. We are also committed to removing all economic hardship barriers for every child and this page provides a list of providers that can offer support when required.
The providers listed below can support families in assessing needs and where appropriate providing longer term financial support.
Free School Meals
You can apply for free school meals if your child attends a Hull school or sixth form on a full time basis (this includes Hull College 14-16 direct entry, academies and free schools) by registering on My School Portal and completing the online form. You must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:
income support
income based jobseekers allowance
income related employment and support allowance (ESA – IR)
universal credit if the household is earning less than £7,400 per year
asylum seekers (receiving support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999)
the guaranteed element of state pension credit
child tax credit (with an annual income of no more than £16,190 as assessed by the Inland Revenue) if also in receipt of working tax credit you will not be eligible
working tax credit run on - paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
To request free school meals please visit; https://www.hull.gov.uk/education-and-schools/schools/free-school-meals
School Holidays
Hull City Council is offering supermarket vouchers for £15.00 p/w (i.e. £30 for 2 weeks for the Christmas Holiday period) to the family of every Hull child in receipt of Free School Meals. Schools will automatically notify parents through the WONDE system of how they claim their vouchers. Please note that the scheme is only intended to cover pupils who reside in Hull. Students in receipt of free school meals who reside outside of Hull are not eligible for these vouchers.
If you would like further information please contact: contactus@thekingswoodacademy.org
Household support fund
The Household Support Fund is available both to residents in private rented accommodation and in Council housing. This is usually in the form of small scale help with other immediate costs that are affecting your ability to pay your rent and avoid eviction (for example fuel vouchers).
However, residents cannot apply for this directly. To be eligible for help, a professional must make a referral on your behalf. For private renters this will usually be Citizens Advice (CA), because you have approached them with your overall situation. For Council tenants this will usually be your Tenancy Officer as they will be able to discuss your needs more widely.
Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual one off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter.
GOV.UK can provide you with independent information and support on how to make a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment.
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is extra money to help you with everyday life if you have an illness, disability or mental health condition.
Citizens Advice can provide you with independent information and advice on how to make a claim.
Visit Citizens Advice personal independence payment information
Disability Living Allowance for children
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is extra money to help you with everyday life if you have a child who is under 16 who is disabled or has a health condition.
Citizens Advice can provide you with independent advice and support on how to claim DLA for your child.
Visit Citizens Advice disability living allowance information
Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance is a benefit for people who are giving regular and substantial care to disabled people in their own homes.
Citizens Advice can provide you with independent advice and support on how to claim for carer's allowance.
Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction, also known as Council Tax Support, is a reduction you may be able to get on your Council Tax if you are on a low income.
We can provide you with information and advice on how to claim Council Tax Reduction.
Visit our page on Council Tax Reduction
Alternatively, Citizens Advice can provide you with independent advice and support.
Visit Citizens Advice help with your council tax information.
Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP)
If you are struggling to pay a shortfall in your rent, you may be able to apply for DHP to help you for a short period of time.
Our website can provide you with information and support to help you apply for DHP.
Department for Work and Pensions
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may be able to provide financial help depending on your circumstances. They offer budgeting loans, short term benefit advances and hardship payments.
PDSA
To qualify for PDSA services, pet owners need to be in receipt of eligible benefits and live within the postcode catchment area of a PDSA Pet Hospital or PDSA Pet Clinic.
PDSA can provide you with information and advice to help you find out if you qualify for PDSA services.
Kingswood Academy Hardship Fund
The Kingswood Academy Hardship Fund is a discretionary source of financial help available to all registered full time school students. The aim of the Fund is to help students who have difficulties in paying for:
Curriculum trips, visits and year group residentials (up to 100% of the cost);
Uniform, shoes or sports kit;
Emergency travel expenses.
Payments from the Fund are discretionary and if awarded do not need to be repaid.
The school will consider requests for hardship funding from the following groups of students:
Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guarantee element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
Please note that proof of benefit is required and must have been issued within the last six months. A student may be able to apply for hardship support at any time during the academic year. It may also be possible to apply more than once, but usually only where circumstances have not changed. Students cannot appeal a decision not to award a hardship grant as the headteacher’s decision is final.
Travel Passes
All pupils who live in Hull and attend a school within the city, or their nearest school, will be entitled to a free bus pass if:
They are aged under 8 years and live two or more miles from school (shortest safe walking route)
They are aged 8 to 16 years and live three or more miles from school (shortest safe walking route)
Free bus passes will also be available to pupils from low-income families (i.e. those who qualify for free school meals or who are in receipt of the maximum level of Working Tax Credit) as follows:
Pupils aged 8 to 11 years attending their nearest school which is two miles or more from home (shortest safe walking route)
Pupils aged 11 to 16 years attending one of their three nearest schools which is between two and three miles from home (shortest safe walking route)
Pupils attending the nearest suitable school preferred on the grounds of religion or belief where they live between two and 15 miles from that school
To apply for a free bus pass, please complete and return the application form available to the right of this page.
Concessionary Fares
Pupils not entitled to a free bus pass can take advantage of the concessionary fares scheme we run in partnership with the bus companies.
Secondary school concessions
We operate a scheme in conjunction with the bus companies to enable all children to travel for a reduced fare within the city boundary.
The scheme does not require the children to carry a pass to receive a reduced fare. The fares vary according to operator, and are subject to change without notice.
Better Housing Better Health (BHBH)
Better Housing Better Health (BHBH) is a not-for-profit service run by the National Energy Foundation, working to help residents living in or at risk of living in fuel poverty to access advice and support.
The service is free of charge and open to all residents experiencing issues with their home energy. As part of the service, they have a helpline that’s free to call where their team can give valuable tips on how to stay warm at home, provide free home energy visits, sign up those in need of additional support to the Priority Services Register and access grants for energy efficiency measures. We understand the physical and mental effects of living in a cold home, and we feel it’s more important than ever to ensure everyone is living in a warm and happy household.
If you think this service would be of help please visit www.bhbh.org.uk/make-a-referral/ or call our free helpline number on 0800 107 0044.
