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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 1st June to 30th September 2019. The scheme is now open for applications. From July 1st, you can apply online or alternatively from June 24th you can submit an application form. More information on applying is available here
The scheme applies to children aged between 4 and 17 on or before 30th September or aged between 18 and 22 on or before 30th September but only if they are in second-level education in a recognised school or college. 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 2019
€275 for each child aged 12-22 on or before 30th September 2019
It is expected that the administrative arrangements for the 2019/20 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 end of 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 24 June 2019, Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance application forms will be available from your Intreo Centre, local Social Welfare Branch Office, Citizens Information Centre and online here. An application form can also be requested by SMS (text message) by texting Form BTSCFA followed by your name and address to 51909 or by emailing the Department at BSCFA@welfare.ie.
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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