5,261 Louth families set for financial boost this week
5,261 Louth families will receive Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments this week
Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, has announced that over 126,000 families in the State, including 5,261 Louth families, will receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance from today.
The payment from the Department of Social Protection is designed to support eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term.
The scheme has been extended this year to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. As a result of this extension, it is estimated that approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year.
The rates of payment for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are €160 for children aged 2 to 11, and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.
Overall, payments totalling more than €48.8 million will be made this week to over 126,000 families, in respect of over 233,000 children. A notification of the automated payment is sent to families by post or through their MyWelfare account.
Commenting on the payments, Minister Calleary said: “This week, over 126,000 families across the country will receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This payment, which benefits over 233,000 children, is a vital support for parents in meeting their back-to-school costs over the coming weeks.
“I am particularly pleased that from this year, the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance has been extended to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. This means that up to 37,000 additional children will be eligible to receive this important payment.
“If you think you may be eligible and have not yet applied, I would encourage you to check your entitlement. The scheme remains open until 30 September, and we want to ensure every family receives the support they are entitled to.”
The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance remains open for applications until September 30th and eligible families are encouraged to apply. Decisions on these cases will be processed manually and, if entitled, payment will issue once they are processed.