Q. My child is going back to school in September and I need help with the costs. I am wondering if I qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and where do I apply?
Dear Reader,
While it might seem strange to be talking about back to school at the end of July, now is exactly the time to look at what supports are available to you.
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.
In 2023, the BSCFA is €260 for children aged between four and 11 and €385 for children aged between 12 and 22.
In order to qualify, your child must be aged between four and 17 on September 30, 2023. If they are aged between 18 and 22, they must be returning to full-time second level education in a recognised school this autumn.
Those applying must also meet a number of other conditions, namely: 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.
As regards income limits, the total household income for the applicant must be less than the BSCFA weekly income limits. That is, with all dependent children counted when the income limit is applied, including children who do not qualify for BSCFA because they are under four years.
It’s important to note, income you get from other social welfare payments is not counted.
The weekly income limits for 2023 are:
€642 for one child
€692 for two children
€742 for three children
€792 for four children
In other words, the income limit goes up by €50 for each additional dependent child.
The BSCFA is paid automatically to many families. So if you’re paid automatically, you don’t need to apply for the BSCFA. You should have been notified of your automatic payment by June 8 on MyWelfare or by post. Following that, your BSCFA will be paid the week starting 10 July 2023 (this week).
If you do not get an automatic payment, you can apply online through MyWelfare.ie before September 30.
Limerick Citizens Information Centre answer your questions in the Limerick Post. If you have a question relating to social welfare issues, tenant or consumer rights, immigration, money, tax, housing, or employment, email [email protected], call 0818 075 780, or drop in to Riverstone House, Henry Street, V93 T28.
