€2.1m school uniform boost
Budget for back to class scheme at almost €50m
AN extra €2.1million has been allocated for back to school uniform costs as the Government scrambles to meet demand.
Struggling parents have been urged to check their eligibility for the allowances – worth hundreds of euro a year for couples and lone parents.
With the number of young children entering education rising, the Government is providing €49.5million for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear scheme, an increase of €2.1million on last year.
The funding is paid at a rate of €125 for children aged four to 11 and €250 for those 12 and over.
To qualify for the means-tested one-off payment, applicants must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments or taking part in training, employment or adult education schemes and the total household income must be below a certain limit.
Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty yesterday revealed 170,000 children in 100,000 families will be paid automatically in the week ending July 13.
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is currently writing to these customers.
If you have received the payment in recent years, it’s likely you will already be on the system and will be paid automatically.
Mrs Doherty encouraged parents who have not previously received the payment but who think they may qualify to check their eligibility.
She said: “The costs associated with children both starting and returning to school can put a lot of financial pressure on families throughout the country.
“The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance can make a real difference in helping families and is available for schoolchildren from the age of four in primary school up to the age of 22 for students who are in second-level education.” Richard Bruton added: “As Minister for Education and Skills, I believe we have to continue to put a greater emphasis on reducing the cost of school uniforms and other costs.
“Last year, I issued a circular to all schools requiring them to do everything possible to keep costs down for parents, including the use of generic items, sew-on or iron-on crests, and making sure that various elements of the uniform can be purchased in multiple stores.”
Parents who are not notified about an automated payment by early July, or those who want to make a first time application will need to apply.
Those interested can get an application form at their local Intreo Centre, by texting FORM BSCFA followed by their name and address to 51909, by emailing bscfa@welfare. ie with their name and address, or by downloading a form at www.welfare. ie/backtoschool.
The closing date for receipt of applications is September 30.
Further details are available at www.welfare.ie/backtoschool. news@irishmirror.ie