The back-to-school period is just around the corner and parents are already feeling the pressure of the rising costs of living.
A number of social welfare schemes are in place for parents and guardians who may be struggling to make ends meet. Thousands of families could benefit from these payments that can be claimed before schools return this autumn.
Here is a full list of social welfare payments you can claim this month:
Read more: How Dublin families can save €500 on free school transport this year
Parent's Benefit
This scheme is aimed at people who are on parent's leave from work. It is covered by PRSI and each parent gets 5 weeks' payment in the child’s first year after birth or adoption.
The scheme is available for any child born or adopted on or after November 1, 2019.
Back to Work Family Dividend
This scheme gives financial support to people with children who are in or take up employment or self-employment and, as a result, stop claiming a jobseeker's payment or a one-parent family payment on or after January 2015.
If you qualify for the scheme you will get a weekly payment for up to 2 years.
Working Family Payment
This scheme gives out a weekly tax-free payment to employees on low pay. People who are self-employed do not qualify for the scheme.
You must have at least one child who normally lives with you or who you support financially.
Maternity Benefit
This payment is made to women who are on maternity leave from work and are covered by social insurance (PRSI). You should apply for Maternity Benefit at least 6 weeks before you plan to go on maternity leave (12 weeks if you are self-employed).
Paternity Benefit
The Paternity Benefit scheme is for employed and self-employed people who are on paternity leave from work and covered by social insurance (PRSI). It is paid for 2 weeks and is available for any child born or adopted on or after September 2016.
Child Benefit
This monthly payment is made to the parents or guardians of children under 16 years of age. You can get Child Benefit payment for a child aged 16 or 17, if they are in full-time education or full-time training or have a disability and cannot support themselves.
One-Parent Family Payment
This payment is aimed at men and women under 66 who are bringing children up without the support of a partner. To get OFP your children must be under a certain age.
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
This payment helps parents and guardians to meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school. The BTSCFA scheme is open from 20 June 2022 until 30 September 2022.
Adoptive Benefit
Parents who are on adoptive leave from work are covered by PRSI can avail of this scheme. Adoptive Benefit is paid for 24 weeks from the date you adopted your child.
You can visit the Citizen's Information website for information on how to apply for these payments.
Read Next:
- Social welfare Ireland: Parents fear Back to School Allowance not enough as cost of living soars
- August bank holiday: Social welfare and pension dates changed
- We bought this huge shopping list from special offers only in Tesco, Dunnes and Aldi and saved big off a weekly food shop
- All Irish homes now eligible for €600 electric vehicle charging grant
- Recession Ireland: European Central Bank raises interest rates by 0.5% as experts warn of slump
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
