School support grants return for farming families

The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rabi) is once again offering up to 4,000 back-to-school grants to help farming families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland meet the cost of the new school year.

The charity will provide £200 per child for school-age children aged four to 16 through its Return to School (RTS) grant, helping families cover essential school-related expenses.

The funding will be released in two phases, with applications opening at 12pm on 15 June and a second round opening at 12pm on 29 June.

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Rabi is encouraging families to prepare their information in advance, warning that demand is expected to be high.

Eligibility criteria

The grant is available to both working and retired farming families.

Applicants must be:

• The parent or legal guardian of a child entering or returning to school between reception and year 11
• Currently farming, or have previously farmed, as their or their partner’s main occupation
• Families must also have lived or worked in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
• Meet Rabi’s financial eligibility criteria, which include having a low disposable household income or receiving certain statutory benefits.

Eligible households can receive up to £200 per child for a maximum of six children.

Verification criteria

The charity has also introduced new verification requirements for this year’s scheme.

Applicants will need to provide evidence that Child Benefit is being claimed for each child included in the application.

The charity said the grants are designed to help ease financial pressures on farming families and ensure children have the resources they need for the start of the school year.

Families interested in applying are advised to check the eligibility requirements and gather the necessary documentation before the application portal opens.

In addition to practical and emotional support, Rabi provides targeted financial assistance to farming people facing financial pressure, with around £3m distributed each year through grants and welfare support.

For further information, visit the Rabi website.