Is Your Child Eligible for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

My child is going back to school in September and I need help with the costs. Can I get the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance?

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is an annual once-off payment that can help with the costs of books and uniforms for school children.

You may qualify for the BSCFA if you meet the income requirements.

How much can I get?
In 2024, the BSCFA is: €160 for children aged between 4 and 11 and €285 for children aged between 12 and 22

How do I qualify?
Your child must be aged between four and 17 on 30 September 2024. If they are aged 18-and 22, they must be returning to full-time second level education in a recognised school this autumn.

You must also meet other conditions:

You must be getting a qualifying social welfare payment or taking part in an approved employment, education or training scheme

You and each child you are claiming for must be resident in Ireland and your household income must be within the BSCFA income limit

What is the BSCFA income limit?

Your total household income must be less than the weekly income limits. All dependent children are counted when the income limit is applied, including children who do not qualify for BSCFA because they are under four.

Income you get from certain other social welfare payments is not counted.

The weekly income limits for 2024 are one child = €666, two children = €720, three children = €774, four children = €828

The income limit goes up by €54 for each additional dependent child.

How do I apply?
The BSCFA is paid automatically to many families.

If you are paid automatically, you don't need to apply for the BSCFA and you should have been notified of your automatic payment by 8 June on MyWelfare or by post.

If you do not get an automatic payment, you can apply for the payment online through MyWelfare.

You can apply until 30 September 2024.

Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below.

Know Your Rights has been compiled by Co Longford Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0818 075890

Address: Level One, Longford Shopping Centre, Longford, N39 X090

Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0818 07 4000