Helping Families on Assistance With Cost of School Supplies

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Helping Families on Assistance With Cost of School Supplies

The Nova Scotia government is once again helping families receiving income assistance to buy school supplies.

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

"This is the third year in a row our government has provided funding to support the learning needs of children in families who receive assistance," said Peter Christie, Minister of Community Services. "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 10,000 students between the ages of five to 12 will receive the funding, along with about 6,300 students over the age of 13. This year the Department of Community Services will provide $1.13 million in assistance with school supplies for families on assistance.