Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the opening of applications for the 2024 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This once-off payment is designed to assist eligible families with the costs associated with sending their children back to school.

For 2024, the allowance is set at €160 for children aged 4 to 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and older who are in second level education. A total of €65.2 million has been allocated for the scheme this year, benefiting more than 118,000 families automatically starting the week of July 8th.

Minister Humphreys expressed her enthusiasm about the scheme’s launch, stating:

“I am delighted to announce that the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for 2024 opens for applications today. This is a very important scheme within my Department, recognising the financial pressures that many families face in relation to back-to-school costs.”

She highlighted that over 118,000 families, covering 207,000 children, will automatically receive the allowance and are currently being notified by the Department of Social Protection. Families who do not receive a notification can contact the Department directly to check their eligibility.

In her remarks, Minister Humphreys also underscored the government’s commitment to making education affordable, noting the significant expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme and the extension of the free schoolbooks scheme to all Junior Cycle students in post-primary schools.

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments will be processed automatically for most recipients, with confirmation sent via MyWelfare account or by post. This will result in approximately €44.2 million being distributed during the week beginning July 8th. Families who do not receive an automated payment notification should apply online at www.MyWelfare.ie, with applications open from Wednesday, June 12th.

For assistance, the Department of Social Protection has dedicated phone lines at 071-9193318 and 0818-11-11-13, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Inquiries can also be sent via email to [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 30th September 2024. Further details on eligibility are available at Gov.ie/bscfa.