'Great support': 1,757 payments for families in Longford for Back-to-School Allowance
The Department of Social Protection payments support eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear for the academic year.
Families across Longford will receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance this week.
The payment from the Department of Social Protection supports eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term.
The scheme has been extended this year to include children aged two and three years of age for the first time.
As a result of this extension, it is estimated that approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year.
Micheál Carrigy said: “1,757 payments will be made this week to families in Longford eligible for the allowance. The total value of payments for Longford is €739,200 and will undoubtedly be a great support to families over the coming weeks as uniforms and school shoes are bought.”
The rates of payment for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are €160 for children aged two to 11, and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.
Overall, payments totalling more than €48.8 million will be made this week to over 126,000 families, in respect of over 233,000 children.
A notification of the automated payment is sent to families by post or through their MyWelfare account.
Deputy Carrigy added: “I would encourage any family in Longford who think they may be eligible for the payment to check their entitlement. The scheme remains open until September 30th.”
Further information on the eligibility criteria for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is available at www.gov.ie/bscfa.