TO HELP EASE delays in processing the back to school clothing and footwear allowance, it has been decided that once again it will be automatically approved for low-income families, who have previously qualified and who also meet the criteria for this year.

That means that around 110,000 families will be notified by the Department of Social Protection in the coming days and it will be paid along with their weekly social welfare payment next week, with no requirement to apply.

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, hopes it will reduce the large number of claims not processed until after schools have re-opened.

Labour TD for Dublin South Central, Michael Conaghan, said it will take the pressure off parents, because late delays put them “at risk of getting into debt to meet the costs of outfitting their child for the new school year”.

For those who want to apply for the allowance they need to send in an application from Monday, 17 June.

“I strongly advise parents and guardians not to delay in submitting their application. The sooner they get the form in the sooner they will receive the allowance,” said Conaghan.

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