Spread the cost of the back to school shop with our School Uniform Loan.
We know the cost of getting the kids kitted out for the new school year can quickly mount up. Recent research by the charity Children’s Society estimate that parents spend on average £422 a year on uniform for a child at secondary school and £287 for a child at primary school*.
This is why we have a created a School Uniform Loan that can take away the stress of having to pay up front for school costs, giving you more flexibility and peace of mind that your little ones will be catered for.
There is a maximum that can be taken out but unlike our other loans, this can be taken out even if you have an existing loan with us.
You can apply for our School Uniform Loan online, at a branch or over the telephone.
Complete our simple online application form. For Loan Purpose, select 'School Uniform'.
Step 1: Provide proof of your income. Non-members may also be asked for two or three acceptable items of identification.
Step 2: Complete the application form.
Speak to our friendly team on 01482 778753 - Option 2 (Mon-Fri 10 am to 3.30 pm).
All loans provided by HEY Credit Union are subject to our lending policy. The Credit Union reserves the right to decline any application or offer a loan that differs from those advertised.
Do I need to be employed to apply for the loan?
No, as long as you can provide proof of regular income as stated above.
Do you make a credit check and an affordability check?
Yes, as a responsible lender. We aim to help as many members as we can but if you are in Bankruptcy, have a Debt Relief Order, IVA or Debt Management Plan, or CCJs in the past 6 months, then we would be unable to offer you a Loan.
How long does it take to make process my loan?
Once your application is complete, we normally give a decision within 5 working days (it may take a little longer at busy times like Christmas and holidays).
How much can I borrow on the loan?
You can apply for a Loan up to £1,000. We will carefully assess your application to decide how much is affordable.
Do you offer joint Loan accounts?
No.
How do I collect my Loan money?
We can transfer money to your bank account.
What interest do I pay?
3% per month or 36% per year on the reducing balance (42.6% APR) - Your interest rate can never be higher than this, unlike doorstep lenders and other providers. That's the Credit Union difference.
How is interest applied?
It is applied to your Loan daily and calculated on the outstanding balance. This means that if you settle your Loan early you will pay less interest.
What term do I pay my Loan over?
Over one year. If your payments are maintained regularly you may apply to top up your loan when one half has been repaid.
Are there any penalties or hidden charges for clearing my Loan off early?
No.
How can I check the balance of my loan?
If you have registered for our Web App you’ll be able to check your account balances and make enquiries 24/7.
What if I cannot afford my repayments?
Contact our Credit Control/Member Solutions Team (01482 778753 - option 3) without delay to discuss a reduced payment plan. Failure to keep up repayments could have a serious effect on your credit report and ability to obtain future credit.
Updated 30.4.24.
All loans provided by HEY Credit Union are subject to status and our lending policy. Applicants must be aged over 18. HEY Credit Union reserves the right to decline any application or offer a loan that differs from those advertised. To find out more about how we use your data to help us make decisions on loans please read our Privacy Policy.
What are its key features?
Our School Uniform Loans offers a simple, competitive way to help you spread the cost the back to school expenses.
With loans available from £150, it’s a safe and sensible way to spread the cost of your family needs.
- Borrow up to £1000 over a period of 12 months.
- Interest rates capped at 3% per month.
- Interest is only charged on the reducing balance
- We only lend amounts you can afford to repay
- Pay your loan off early without any penalty fees
- You can choose to save as you repay your loan
- Free bereavement protection policy (see terms and conditions).
What is the purpose of a School Uniform Loan?
- To help you to spread the cost of School uniform over a sensible period with known regular repayments and affordable interest rates.
- To enable you to provide for children affordably without resorting to high cost sources of credit.
A School Uniform Loan could be suitable for you if:
- You want to borrow an amount from £150 to £1000 over a period of 12 months at an affordable interest rate fixed for the period of the loan.
- You can make your repayments by bank standing order, Direct Debit or payroll deduction.
- You want to be able to select weekly, fortnightly, 4-weekly or monthly repayments, to match your income pattern.
- You want the option of making savings deposits alongside your loan repayments.
- You may want to settle your loan early without any penalty fees.
- You are under 70 and want free bereavement protection cover included.
A School Uniform Loan is unlikely to meet your needs if:
- You want to borrow a larger amount than £1000.
- You are in Bankruptcy, have a DRO, IVA or DMP, CCJs or defaults in the last 6 months.
- You are unable to commit to making regular auto repayments from your own bank account or wages.
- You want a credit card or revolving credit facility.
*Information taken from various sources:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/england-society-charities-department-for-education-action-for-children-b2364610.html, https://www.images-magazine.com/schoolwear-association-counters-childrens-society-report/, https://schoolsweek.co.uk/school-uniform-rules-have-limited-impact-poll-suggests/, https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/our-campaigns/cut-the-cost-school-uniforms/ealing, https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/professionals/resources/the-wrong-blazer.