The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) is an essential payment for many families across Ireland, designed to ease the burden of the costs associated with sending children back to school. The application period for this once-off, means-tested allowance is just around the corner, with the official opening date set for 1st June 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the allowance, how to apply, and the amount you could receive per child.
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What Is the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance?
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a once-off, means-tested payment designed to help families cover the extra costs of clothing and footwear when children return to school in the autumn. The payment is made directly to parents or guardians who qualify, helping ease the financial burden as the school year begins.
Key Points to Remember:
- Targeted Assistance: Aimed at families with children aged 4 to 22.
- Purpose: To assist with the additional costs of clothing and footwear for children returning to school.
- Payment Dates: The application period runs from 1 June to 30 September each year.
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How Much Can You Receive?
The amount of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance depends on the child’s age and education status:
- Children aged 4 to 11: €160
- Children aged 12 to 22: €285 (children between 18 and 22 must be in second-level education to qualify)
The higher rate of €285 applies for children aged 12 or older, but the allowance extends up to age 22, as long as the child is returning to second-level education in the autumn.
How to Qualify for the Allowance
In order to qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, families must meet certain eligibility criteria, including the following:
- Qualifying Social Protection: You must be receiving a qualifying social protection payment or be participating in an approved employment, education, or training support scheme.
- Child Support Payment: You must be receiving a Child Support Payment (previously known as the Increase for a Qualified Child) for each child you are claiming the allowance for.
- Age and Education: The child must be aged between 4 and 17 years old or aged between 18 and 22, and returning to second-level education in the autumn.
- Income Limits: Your household’s assessable income must fall within a set income limit, which varies depending on the size of the household and other factors.
- Residency: Both you and your children must be habitually resident in Ireland.
Application Process
For most applicants, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will be paid automatically. The Department of Social Protection uses a matching process to identify eligible families and will notify them through their MyWelfare account or by post in June.
What If You Don’t Receive Automatic Payment?
If you do not receive an automatic payment or an award notification by the end of June, and you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you will need to make an application manually. Even if you’ve received the payment in previous years, it’s important to apply if you have not been notified.
Application Options:
- Online: The quickest and easiest way to apply is online via MyWelfare.ie, where the application process will be available from 1 June to 30 September each year.
- Paper Application: Starting June 2025, you will be able to download and print a PDF application form. After completing the form, send it to the address provided on the form.
It is essential to make sure your application is completed by the closing date of 30 September each year to ensure your payment is processed.
Why Is This Allowance Important?
With the cost of sending children to school each year rising, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a crucial support for many families. It helps cover the essential costs of school uniforms and footwear, which are often a significant part of back-to-school expenses.
Final Thoughts
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a much-needed boost for families facing the financial demands of the new school year. If you are eligible, don’t forget to apply for the allowance between 1 June and 30 September 2025. Ensure that you check your MyWelfare account for automatic eligibility notifications, and apply on time if you do not receive a notification. With this support, you can ease the back-to-school costs and ensure your children have the clothing and footwear they need for a successful year ahead.
Stay informed and ready to make your application as soon as the process opens in June!