Back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance now open to applications from parents

The 2023 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is now open to applications. 

The Allowance provides a once-off payment to eligible families towards the cost of school clothing and footwear, with over 120,000 families due to receive it during the week beginning July 10. 

According to the Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys TD, the majority of payments will be paid automatically with no application form required. 

Funding has increased this year to reflect the ongoing Cost of Living challenges, with rates of payment rising by €100 per child; €260 will be allocated to children aged 4-11 and €385 for children aged 12 and over. 

Opening applications today, Minister Humphreys said, "As Minister, I very much recognise the pressures that families are under in relation to back-to-school costs and am pleased to have secured almost €90 million for the scheme this year.

"As part of a number of targeted cost of living measures announced in February, I have managed to secure a €100 increase for each child once again this year.

"This scheme is so important in terms of supporting parents in meeting those back-to-school costs over the coming weeks.

"Through the increased Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, as well as the extra €100 paid on Child Benefit this week, we are doing all we can to support families right across the State." 

Families will receive confirmation about payments informing them of their automatic entitlement on their MyWelfare account or by post. 

Families who do not receive notification from the Department of an automated payment should make an application online on MyWelfare.ie even if they received a payment last year. 

Minister Humphreys added, "As in previous years, more than 80% of payments under this scheme will be paid without the need to make an application. My Department will issue automatic payments to more than 120,000 families in July, and I would urge all families to check their eligibility for this important scheme."