There's no doubt the withdrawn £20 uplift will be a huge blow to many parents and carers across the country. Whilst our grants can fund essential children's items, here's a list of other sources of help to try. 

Household Support Fund

The government has announced it will launch the Household Support Fund this month to help vulnerable households over winter.

Small grants worth up to £500 million are intended to help struggling families meet costs for daily needs such as food, clothing and utilities.

Local councils will start distributing the small grants of £100 or £150 from October to help vulnerable families over the winter period. 

Find out more here.

Free school meals

If you have children, they may be entitled to free school meals. If you are on Universal Credit, your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get). Get more information about how to apply here.

Food bank vouchers

If you are struggling to afford food, you can ask for a referral from Citizens Advice or an organisation that’s already supporting you - for example, a charity, school or children’s centre - for a food bank voucher.

The Citizens Advice have more information about food banks here. 

Support with essential costs

You can contact your local council to see if they can give you any extra help from a hardship fund, including food or essential things like clothes. Check who your local council is here.

Where can I get financial advice and help?

Check your benefits are being calculated correctly. Use a benefits calculator to make sure you're getting everything you are entitled to.
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free financial advice
Low Incomes Tax Reform Group's Covid guidance page

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Get help with a grant

Our grants help UK fashion and textile families buy essential items for their children.  It's why our charity was founded back in 1853.

Who can apply?
To apply for an FTCT grant, one parent must work OR have recently worked in the UK fashion and textile industry, for at least one year within the last nine years. Find out more about our trade criteria below. Find out more about our grants here. 

 Start Applying Now            

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Other sources of help

We have created a useful links page, with links to some charities and organisations who help with grants, financial advice and debt support. Find out more here.