Helping Families on Assistance with Cost of School Supplies

Nova Scotia families who receive income assistance are getting a helping hand with the cost of back-to-school supplies thanks to about $860,000 from the Department of Community Services.

Families will receive $50 for each child five to 12 years old and $100 for each child 13 years old and over who are registered for and attending public schools. The money will be added to income assistance cheques that are sent out during the last week of August. Families are not required to apply for this funding.

"We are pleased to provide extra help to families to relieve some of the added financial pressure each new school year brings," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services. "This is the sixth year we have provided funding to support the learning needs of children in families who receive assistance."

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

About 7,400 students between the ages of five to 12 will receive the funding, along with about 4,800 students over the age of 13.