Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
Table of Contents
Introduction
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a means-tested payment which aids families with the cost of clothing and footware for children starting school in the autumn.
Qualifying for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
You may qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance if you are:
- In receipt of a Social Welfare payment (including Working Family Payment or Supplementary Welfare Allowance), or
- Taking part in an approved employment scheme (back to work scheme)
or
- Taking part in a recognised education or training course, or
- Involved in an Area Partnership Scheme, or
- Attending an FET, Fáilte Ireland or Local Employment Services (LES) training scheme.
Rates of Payment
The payment is means tested based on gross income, less PRSI and reasonable travel expenses, and is as follows:
- The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 on or before 30th September 2023 is €260.
- The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 on or before 30th September 2023 is €385.
In 2023, the allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 on 30 September 2022 is €260. In 2023, the allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 on 30 September 2023 is €385. Children aged between 18 and 22 years must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2023.
The allowance will only be paid for eligible children aged 18-22 who are in second-level education.
| Number of children | Income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 child | €642 |
| 2 children | €692 |
| 3 children | €742 |
| 4 children | €792* |
*The income limit is increased by €48 for each additional dependent child.
How to Apply for Back To School Clothing and Footware Allowance
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection pays BSCFA automatically to many customers. This means that they do not have to apply for the payment.
If you qualify automatically, you should receive a letter stating when and how your Allowance will be paid. If you do not receive a letter, you may have to make an application to the BSCFA section which is based in the Department’s Sligo office.
Further information on how to apply for this payment is available on the Department’s website: www.welfare.ie/backtoschool .
Contact Us
Telephone
You can speak, in complete confidence, to an Information Officer in the Information and Advocacy section directly at 01 - 856 0088 , Monday - Thursday 9.30 am to 5.00 pm and Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm.
Online
Use the online Contact Us forms on the INOU website
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