Over €730,000 in Back-to-School payments for Longford families a 'great support'

Families across Longford are receiving the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance with householders who believe they may be eligible being urged to check if they are entitled to it.

The Department of Social Protection payment supports 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 kids aged two and three years of age for the first time and approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year.

READ NEXT: Longford priest reflects on parish life to brushes with death in Zambia and Zimbabwe in new book

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said: “1,757 payments will be made this week to families in Longford eligible for the allowance.

"The total value of payments for Longford is €739,200 and will undoubtedly be a great support to families over the coming weeks as uniforms and school shoes are bought.”

The rates of payment for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are €160 for children aged two to 11, and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.

Payments totalling more than €48.8 million were made over the past week to over 126,000 families, in respect of over 233,000 children with a notification sent to families by post or via their MyWelfare account.

READ NEXT: Resurfacing works begin in north Longford village - motorists warned to expect delays

Deputy Carrigy added: “I would encourage any family in Longford who think they may be eligible for the payment to check their entitlement. The scheme remains open until September 30th.”

Further information on the  the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is available at www.gov.ie/bscfa.