Q.  Is there any support available to help with the costs of uniforms and books for children going back to school in September?

23.08.10

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a means-tested payment for people on social welfare or certain other payments to help with children’s costs at the beginning of the school year. You may qualify for the payment if your income is within the limits set for the means-test and you are getting a social welfare payment (including Family Income Supplement) or a HSE payment. You may also qualify if you are taking part in an approved employment scheme, or a recognised education or training course / scheme.

Your children must be in full-time education and you must be getting an increase in your social welfare payment for each child. The allowance is €200 for children aged 2-11 and €305 for children aged 12-22 before 1 October. An additional €215 is paid for children aged 18 if you are getting either an increase in your social welfare payment for that child or a FIS payment which includes that child.

The scheme is administered by the HSE through the Community Welfare Officer at your local health centre. The scheme closes on 30 September. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) publishes a useful leaflet to help families plan for back to school costs which includes a budget planner for school expenses. It is available online at www.mabs.ie and from Citizens Information Services and MABS offices.

Citizens Information: Buncrana 074 9363496; Carndonagh 074 9373741

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