More than 100,000 parents set to receive Back to School allowance this month
By Mary Dennehy
MORE than 100,000 parents are set to receive the annual Back to School clothing and footwear allowance on July 13 – with new applications open until September 30.
The Back to School allowance, which is paid through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, helps families meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.
This year the Government is increasing the amount allocated to the scheme by €2.1 million, resulting in €49.5m being provided to families.
Investment in the scheme has increased to include more families, there is no increase on the payment.
The means tested payment is paid at a rate of €125 for children aged four to 11 and €250 for children aged 12 years and over.
To qualify for a Back to School payment, the applicant must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments or taking part in training, employment or adult educations programmes – with total household income below a certain threshold.
According to Dublin South West Fine Gael TD, Frances Fitzgerald: “The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a valued support for low-income families in managing back to school costs.
“Families will start receiving this Allowance on the week ending July 13, benefitting 28,024 children across Dublin.
“The vast majority of families who received this payment last year will receive it again this year without having to reapply.
“If you have not received notification of an automated payment by early July, or people who wish to make a first time application, you will need to apply.”
To receive a form text FORM BTSCFA followed by your name and address to 51909 or email BSCFA [at] welfare [dot] ie
For further details or check eligibility visit their website here.
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