Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Begins for Families in Ireland
Starting today, thousands of families across Ireland will receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA). This financial support is designed to help eligible families cover the costs of school uniforms and footwear as the new school term approaches.
The payment is issued by the Department of Social Protection and is available in two different rates. For children aged 4 to 11 years, the allowance amounts to €160. Children who are 12 years old or older and attending second-level education are entitled to €285. This assistance aims to ease the financial burden on families during the back-to-school period.
Key Details About the BSCFA
Families interested in applying for this year’s allowance must ensure they meet specific eligibility criteria. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2025. To qualify, applicants must:
- Have a child who meets the age and education requirements.
- Be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment or participating in an approved employment, education, or training support scheme.
- Ensure that their household income falls within the specified limits for the BSCFA.
- Confirm that both the applicant and their child are residents of Ireland.
If you are currently receiving a social welfare payment, you must be getting a Child Support Payment (formerly known as an Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) to claim the BSCFA. However, there are exceptions in certain cases. For example, if your payment does not include a child-related benefit, such as Maternity Benefit or Adoptive Benefit, you may still be eligible. Additionally, if your spouse or partner’s income exceeds the limit for your payment, but your overall household income is within the BSCFA guidelines, you can still apply.
Eligibility Criteria for Your Child
To qualify for the BSCFA, your child must:
- Be between the ages of 4 and 17 as of September 30 in the year you apply.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 22 and returning to full-time second-level education at a recognized school or college in the autumn of the year you apply.
- Be a resident of Ireland.
How to Apply for the Allowance
You can apply for the BSCFA through the MyWelfare website. To proceed, you will need a verified MyGovID account. During the application process, you will be asked questions about:
- Your household income.
- The number of children you have.
- Whether your child meets the residency and age requirements.
Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification either by post or through your MyWelfare account. This year, over €47.5 million will be distributed to more than 126,000 families, benefiting over 221,000 children.
Minister’s Statement on the Initiative
Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, welcomed the start of the 2025 BSCFA payments. He emphasized the importance of the scheme in helping parents manage the costs associated with sending their children back to school.
“I am delighted to announce that the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments for 2025 begin today,” he said. “This scheme plays a crucial role in supporting families as they prepare for the new school term.”
The Minister also highlighted the financial pressure that many families face when preparing for the start of the school year. He encouraged those who have not yet applied to check their eligibility and take advantage of this valuable support.
Additional News Updates
While the BSCFA is making headlines, other updates are also circulating across the country. For instance, Cork Gardaí have issued a beach traffic update as local residents make the most of the last day of the heatwave. Meanwhile, planning has been approved for a new primary care centre in East Cork, marking another step forward in improving healthcare access in the region.
