The statutory right to free transport for secondary school pupils from low income families provides a choice to one of the three nearest schools to their home address.

However, transport will only be provided if the school is between two and six miles of the home address, or to the nearest school preferred by a parent’s religion or belief between two and fifteen miles of the home address. Distances of up to two miles are measured using the shortest available walking route, and distances of over two miles are measured by road.

If your child is entitled to free school meals, or your family receives the maximum level of Working Tax Credit (or receives Universal Credit), then your family is considered to be on a low income.

Unless your child gets free school meals, you will need to give us current proof that you receive an appropriate means tested benefit. If so, please send a copy of your benefit evidence after completing the online form in the application section.

To confirm that you receive the maximum amount of Working Tax Credit we need to see your new TC602 Tax Award Notice each year. However, if your financial circumstances have not changed since the previous financial year you will not have to complete the HMRC annual review and will not be sent a TC602 Tax Award Notice automatically.

We advise you to request a copy of the TC602 Award Notice by phoning the Tax Credit Helpline on 0345 300 3900 and explain you need it as evidence for transport assistance for your child. Please do this as soon as possible as it can be several weeks before you receive the TC602 form.

For those in receipt of Universal Credits, we will need to see your recent statements.