THE GOVERNMENT IS providing €49.5 million for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear scheme, an increase of €2.1 million on last year.

The allowance will be paid to around 100,000 people in respect of 170,000 school children.

It is paid at a rate of €125 for children aged 4-11 and €250 for children aged 12 years and over.

It’s a means-tested once-off payment aimed at helping families with the costs associated with children returning to school in the autumn. It is paid automatically in the week ending Friday 13 July.

The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty 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.

The Minister for Education Richard Bruton added, “I believe that we have to continue to put a greater emphasis on reducing the cost of school uniforms and other school 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.”

To qualify the applicant must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments or taking part in training, employment or adult education schemes, with total household income below a certain threshold.

Parents who have not previously received the payment but who think they may qualify are being encouraged to check their eligibility.

Families can find out more about their eligibility here.