SCHOOL BASED ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

Providing financiaL support to eligible families through assistance with school uniforms, textbooks, examination fees, and early childhood education subvention fees. Explore available programmes, check eligibility requirements, and apply for the support needed to help your child succeed.

The Request for Service serves ONLY as a request for assistance.It is NOT an application.It is NOT a notification of a decision (approval or denial).You are asked to visit the designated satellite offices (community centres) to complete your application in full.

Please use the email address associated with your JAD account when requesting School Uniform Assistance.If you do not have a JAD account, use a personal email address that you actively check.

Please complete the form with accurate and up-to-date information.For any questions, contact the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Affairs at 467-1497/762-5539

SBAP Services

The School-Based Assistance Programme (SBAP) is a collection of social assistance initiatives offered by the Department of Community Development and Social Services to help families meet the educational needs of their children. Through programmes such as the School Uniform Assistance Programme (SUAP), High School Book Loan Programme (HSBLP), CXC Fee Waiver Programme (CFWP), and Early Childhood Subvention Programme (ECSP), eligible households can receive support with school uniforms, textbooks, examination fees, and early childhood education costs. The programme aims to reduce financial barriers to education and ensure that children have access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

SCHOOL UNIFORM ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (SUAP)

The School Uniform Assistance Programme (SUAP) is a social assistance initiative designed to help eligible families meet the cost of school uniforms and other approved uniform-related items for school-aged children. Through the programme, qualifying households receive support to purchase uniforms from approved vendors, helping to reduce financial burdens and ensure that students are properly equipped to attend school with confidence and dignity. The programme forms part of the Government’s commitment to promoting equal access to education and supporting the well-being of children and families.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBVENTION PROGRAMME (ECSP)

The Early Childhood Subvention Programme (ECSP) provides financial assistance to eligible families with the cost of early childhood education and care. The programme helps parents and guardians access quality daycare, preschool, and nursery services for their children by reducing the financial burden of tuition and related fees. Through this support, the ECSP promotes early learning, child development, and school readiness while helping families provide a strong foundation for their children’s future success.

HIGH SCHOOL BOOK LOAN PROGRAMME (HSBLP)

The High School Book Loan Programme (HSBLP) is a social assistance initiative that helps eligible secondary school students access the textbooks required for their education. Through the programme, approved students are provided with school textbooks on loan for the academic year, reducing the financial burden on families while ensuring that learners have the resources needed to participate fully in their studies. The programme supports educational achievement by promoting equal access to essential learning materials for all students.

CXC FEE WAIVER PROGRAMME (CFWP)

The CXC Fee Waiver Programme (CFWP) is a social assistance initiative that helps eligible students and families cover the cost of Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examination fees. By providing financial support for CSEC and CAPE examinations, the programme ensures that students have the opportunity to complete important academic assessments without financial hardship. The CFWP supports educational achievement, promotes equal access to certification opportunities, and helps students take important steps toward higher education and future employment.