Over 126,000 families will receive school support payments from today, with Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary saying the scheme is “so important” to parents nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Department of Social Protection this morning, the Fianna Fáil Minister confirmed that over €47.5 million will be distributed this week to help families cover school uniform and footwear costs.
“This scheme is so important in terms of supporting parents in meeting their back-to-school costs over the coming weeks,” Calleary said.
“This week, my Department will issue automatic payments to over 126,000 families in respect of over 221,000 children.”
The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides €160 for children aged 4 to 11, and €285 for those aged 12 and over who are attending second-level education.
Calleary urged eligible parents who have not yet received a payment to check if they qualify.
“The costs associated with children both starting and returning to school can put a lot of financial pressure on families throughout the country,” he said.
“The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides valuable support to families to assist with these costs and I would urge anybody who has not yet applied to check their eligibility for the scheme.”
Automated payments are being made to qualifying families who are already in receipt of certain social welfare supports. Notifications are being issued by post and through MyWelfare accounts.
Applications for the scheme remain open until 30 September, but these must be assessed manually. Successful applicants will receive payment once their eligibility is confirmed.
The payment is available for children aged 4 to 11 on or before September 30th 2025, and for those aged 12 to 22 who are returning to full-time second-level education.
More information and application details are available at www.gov.ie/bscfa.