Back to School time can be expensive for Irish families but there is a social welfare payment that could help alleviate some of those costs.
The Back To School Allowance can be a lifeline for cash-strapped parents after the summer holidays but families are running out of time to apply for the 2022-23 term payment.
The one-off payment scheme was launched in July and depending on their ages, parents can receive €260 or €365 per child when applying. This year saw the payment increase by €100 due to the rising cost of school supplies.
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Applications are open until the end of next month, but with costs mounting now, parents are advised to act as soon as possible.
Due to the one-off increase this year, parents with a child aged between four and 11 will now get €260 in total, while the payment for kids over 12 has risen to €385.
If you haven't availed of the scheme, apply before September 30th to see if you're eligible for the payment. You can apply here.
Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys urged parents to check if they are eligible ahead of the September deadline.
Speaking in a statement, Minister Humphreys said: "My Department will process and issue payments to some 124,000 families this week and I would urge all families to check their eligibility for this important scheme and apply before September 30.
"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.
"I would advise anyone seeking further information on this scheme to contact their local Intreo Centre or visit MyWelfare.ie."
As well as Back To School Allowance, there are a number of payments parents may be eligible to avail of to ease the cost of living, such as Working Family Payment, Back to Work Family Dividend and One Parent Family Payment.
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