Means Test to Determine Eligibility for School Supplies and Book Grant to Students of Government and Government-Assisted Primary and Secondary Schools 2025

Introduction

Within the Budget Statement for fiscal 2025, the Minister of Finance once again announced the provision of a school supplies and book grant of $1,000 to support financially disadvantaged students at both primary and secondary school levels. This initiative is designed to address the financial challenges faced by students in acquiring essential supplies, thereby facilitating their attendance at primary and secondary schools. To ascertain eligibility for this grant, the Ministry of Education is currently undertaking a means test application process.

Who Is Eligible

  • Trinidad and Tobago nationals only
  • Parents/Guardians earning a gross salary of $10,000 or less, with students currently enrolled at government and government assisted Primary and Secondary Schools (Special schools included)
  • Parents of students with disabilities;
  • Parents/Guardians of students in receipt of grants from the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services.

NB: Please note submission of an application does not guarantee receipt of a grant

Mode Of Application

Applications to be made online. If needed, school personnel may assist parents/guardians to ensure the successful completion of the online application form.

Must haves before you access the Application Form

Before you start, be sure you have the following documents available in PDF format:

  • Verification Letter stamped, signed and dated by the school.
  • Copy of Student’s Birth Certificate
  • Medical evidence of student’s disability (if applicable)
  • One (1) form of ID (National Identification Card / Passport / Driver’s Permit)
  • Utility Bill/Bank Statement (If the utility bill is not in your name, an Authorization letter will be required)
  • Job Letter or  Pay Slip no older than 3 months, stamped by the employer; OR
  • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation for self-employed / unemployed person. The Recommender must not be an immediate relative of the applicant.Please note that the recommendations must state that the applicant is either self-employed or unemployed.
  • The Recommender must be included in one of the following categories:
    • Minister of Religion registered under law to perform marriages.
    • Managing Director, Director and Managers of Banks and companies.
    • Members of Parliament, Mayor, Borough or County Councillor.
    • Notary Public or Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Affidavits.
    • Senior Public Servants (Range 30 and above).
    • Police Officer (Corporal and above rank) (Include Regimental Number).
    • Fire Sub-Officer and above rank (Include Regimental Number).
    • Prison Officer II and above rank (Include Regimental Number).
    • Member of the Defence Force (Corporal/Leading Seaman and above rank).
    • School Principal, Vice-Principal, Lecturer, Graduate Teacher (Teacher I and above rank).
  • Document from the Bank indicating the name of the account holder, the bank branch, and the account number (for persons selecting the Bank option for payment)
  • Receipt for government grants currently received/Documents verifying receipt of government assistance where applicable

Points to Note:

  • One application form is to be submitted for each child
  • Be sure you provide the documents required as these will be used to verify your information
  • If you are unsure your bank account will remain active/open until the end of the financial year (September 2025), please select the cheque option
  • For applicants selecting the bank payment option, only bank accounts in the name of the applicant will be accepted.
  • Only commercial bank accounts will be accepted. Credit Union and Unit Trust accounts are incompatible with the Ministry’s accounting system.
  • Throughout the Application process parents/guardians will be prompted to upload the required documents
  • Complete the form, being careful to complete required fields with accurate information to facilitate processing
  • Click submit
  • A confirmation message will be sent to you

Application Deadline

The extended deadline for applications is Friday 24th January 2025.