Helping Families on Assistance Buy School Supplies

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Helping Families on Assistance Buy School Supplies

The Department of Community Services will once again provide almost $1 million in assistance to help families who receive income assistance to buy school supplies.

Families will receive $50 for each child between the ages of five and 12, and $100 for each child aged 13 years and over who are registered for and attending public schools. The money will be added to income assistance cheques that are sent out beginning today, Aug. 26. Families are not required to apply for this funding.

"This is the fifth year in a row our government has provided funding to support the learning needs of children in families who receive assistance," said Community Services Minister David Morse. "Providing this extra help will relieve some of the added financial pressure each new school year brings."

Students can use the funding to buy school supplies and pay various school fees, such as locker charges.

About 8,200 students between the ages of five and 12 will receive the funding, along with about 5,300 students over the age of 13.