School Essentials Grant with GroceryAid
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Published 26 May 2026 in Colleagues
The GroceryAid School Essentials Grant returns to help people working in the grocery industry. All colleagues at OurCoop are eligible to apply from 9am on Tuesday 2nd June.
How do I apply?
Applications will open on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 9am and close on Thursday 4th June at 5pm.
The application form will be open for three days, so you’ll have plenty of time to collect any documents you need. Because the fund is capped at £1 million, everyone who meets the criteria and uploads the right information will be entered into a random selection. This helps make the process fair for everyone and ensures shift workers and busy families won’t feel rushed.
Who is eligible for a grant?
To apply for GroceryAid School Essentials Grant, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You’ve been working for a grocery employer for at least six months
- You’re already receiving Universal Credit for school-age children (aged 4-18 as of 31st August 2026)
- Your household savings/bank balances are less than £4,000
What do I need to apply?
You will need to be ready to upload onto the application form copies of:
- A current payslip from May 2026 that clearly shows your name, employer and NI number
- Your current Universal Credit statement from April/May showing the payment amount, full breakdown (including child element) and your name and address
- If you receive a £0 UC award then you will need to evidence why
Tips on applying
Our application form is quick and easy to complete. The most common reason people miss out is simply that the right information wasn’t uploaded, so it’s worth having everything ready before you begin. Your application is completely confidential and details won’t be shared with your employer.
You may be eligible for a higher grant award by applying for a Financial Grant if something has changed recently in your household which has led to a drop in income. Click here to see if you are eligible.