The first school year brings families many expenses — a schoolbag, workbooks, school clothes, and much more. To provide support, several Estonian municipalities offer a small financial benefit called the schoolbag allowance. The amount and conditions vary across municipalities, but the goal is always the same: to help families begin their child’s school journey more smoothly.

What is the Schoolbag Allowance?

Many Estonian municipalities pay parents of first graders a schoolbag allowance to support school-related expenses. The allowance amount and application period depend on the municipality. Below we’ve collected information about applying for support in larger municipalities and cities.

Tallinn Amount: €320 Recipients: First graders (granted as an extended “start of school year allowance”; €100 later in the second grade). Application: Electronically via Tallinn e-services; submit the first time (from being added to the student register until November 30). In subsequent years the payment is automatic if the conditions are met.

Valga Municipality Amount: €160 one-time schoolbag allowance. Application: After the child’s data has been entered into EHIS; applications should preferably start from September 10; processed through the Social Services Department (in person, by post, or electronically).

Järva Municipality Amount: €200 one-time allowance. Application: Electronically (with ID card or digital signature) or in person; application must be submitted within three months after starting school.

Keila City Amount: €160 (full allowance if the child and both parents are residents of the city; half if only one parent is a resident). Application: E-application via Keila e-services from August 1 until October 30.

Lääne-Nigula Municipality Amount: €250 one-time allowance. Application: From September 1 until October 15; paid to a bank account within 10 working days after a valid application is submitted.

Kohtla-Järve City Amount: €150 one-time allowance. Application: Written application no later than October 31; paid starting from September if all information is correct.

Raasiku Municipality Amount: €150 in full (if both parents are residents); half if only one parent is a resident; single parents receive the full amount.Application: Written application and, if needed, a school certificate to be submitted no later than September 30; paid out by October 31.

Before the school year starts, it’s wise to check what allowances your municipality offers. Even if the amount may not seem large, it can help cover important expenses for a first grader. Review the allowance size, application method, and deadlines — and don’t miss the opportunity.

Consumer Loan Can Help Cover School Expenses

While municipal schoolbag allowances are a welcome aid, they may not cover all the expenses of starting first grade — especially when families need to buy school supplies, clothes, footwear, and electronics at the same time. In such cases, a Laen.ee consumer loan can help.

As a new client, you can apply for a loan of up to 10,000 € for up to 6 months at 0% interest, meaning the borrowed amount is repaid without any extra costs. This gives families flexibility and the chance to cover school expenses exactly when needed, without waiting for payday or other income.