Applications for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are now open for 2022, according to Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD.
The payment aims to ease the “pressures that families with school-going children are under at this time of year,” the Minister said.
The once-off payment towards the cost of school clothing and footwear is now accepting applications from eligible families for the 2022/2023 school year.
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This year, there has been an increase in the rates of payments for each child. For children aged 4-11, parents can avail of €160, while they can get €285 for those 12 and over in second-level education.
Speaking at the opening of the scheme today, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to secure over €58 million for the scheme this year - recognising the pressures that families with school-going children are under at this time of year.
“As part of a number of targeted measures in Budget 2022, I am increasing the rates of payment this year.
“I’ve also widened the eligibility for lone parents by increasing the income limits for single parent families to match those of two parent families.”
Approximately 120,000 families will receive automatic payments as part of this scheme from July 11th, with the Minister “urging” families to check their eligibility for this allowance.
Families who have come from Ukraine as a result of the war can also avail of this scheme. Minister Humphreys said: “The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will also be paid to families who are availing of the Temporary Protection Directive for Ukraine on the same eligibility criteria as Irish families.
“This scheme is extremely important in supporting families in dealing with what is a very expensive time of year.
“I would advise anyone seeking further information on this scheme to contact their local Intreo Office or visit MyWelfare.ie.”
Applications will be processed by the Department of Social Protection, with those eligible receiving written confirmation of their entitlement by this week. Those who do not hear from the Department should make an online application on MyWelfare.ie, even if they received a payment last year.
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