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| Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance |
The purpose of this allowance is to help families on social welfare and Health Service Executive payments meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children who are attending school. The scheme operates from 21st June 2021 to 30th September 2021. From June 21st, you can apply online . More information on applying is available here
Your child must be aged between 4-17 on 30th September 2021. If they are aged between 18-22, they must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of the year you are applying. The scheme does not apply to those in third level education. To be eligible for the allowance the applicant (parent or guardian) must be receiving certain social welfare payments or payments for training, employment schemes or adult education. Total household income must also be below a certain amount. All of the restrictions are available here
The rates are age-related as follows:
€150 for each child aged 4-11 on or before 30th September 2021
€275 for each child aged 12-22 on or before 30th September 2021
It is expected that the administrative arrangements for the 2021 Scheme will be largely the same as last year. This means that the majority of Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance entitlements will be fully automated with no application form required from previous customers. If you qualify, you'll receive a letter confirming your automated payment. If you have not received a letter confirming an automated payment by the 21st June you will need to submit an application, even if you received the payment last year.
If you have a child over 18 years who will be returning to second-level education, you will need to apply for the allowance of this child again and provide confirmation that they are returning to second-level education.
From the 21st of June 2021, Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance application forms will be available from your Intreo Centre, local Social Welfare Branch Office and Citizens Information Centre. To apply online you must have a verified MyGovID account. Details can be found here on how to verify your MyGovID account. An application form can also be requested by SMS (text message) by texting Form BTSCFfollowed by your name and address to 51909 or by emailing the Department at BSCFA@welfare.ie. Closing date for applications is 30th September 2021.
You can get help with filling in your application form at your Intreo Centre, Social Welfare Branch office or nearest Citizens Information Centre.
Click here for further information on the scheme
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