Payments to successful applicants of the 2026 School Supplies and Book Grant are expected to begin by September 2, as the Ministry of Education works to complete final verification of 45,953 applications.
The ministry said the initial review of all applications has been completed, with final verification now under way to confirm eligibility and ensure assistance is directed to the most vulnerable applicants.
About 10,000 applications are expected to complete final verification by Friday, with the remaining applications expected to be verified by September 2.
The ministry said the verification process is necessary to maintain the integrity of the programme, safeguard public funds and ensure assistance reaches eligible applicants.
The 2026 programme received applications from students across approximately 668 schools and educational institutions, including government and government-assisted primary and secondary schools, government-sponsored private secondary schools, special education institutions and SERVOL Junior Life Centres.
The ministry said it is processing significantly more applications than in previous grant exercises within a shorter implementation timeframe.
The application period opened on June 22 and closed on July 11.
Priority consideration is being given to unemployed applicants, applicants from low-income households, families with multiple dependents, applicants with children with special needs and applicants who receive government assistance.
The grant amount is based on the student’s class level during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Infant 1 to Standard 5 students are eligible for $1,000, while students entering Form 2 in September are eligible for $500.
Students entering Form 1 and Form 3 through Upper 6 are eligible for $1,000.
The ministry said the $500 allocation for students entering Form 2 takes into consideration its provision of six books with embedded learning support for use with students’ laptops.
Parents and guardians can monitor their application status through the online portal at bookgrant.moe.gov.tt.
Applicants will also receive email notifications about their application status and payment information.
The ministry said further information on the distribution of cheques and other updates will be communicated through its official channels as the process continues.
