AN estimated 2,300 children across Ireland are now expected to qualify for a once-off payment worth either €160 or €285.
The cash boost, expected to land straight into accounts in just a months time, has been extended to a group under new eligibility rules that kicked in yesterday following efforts to allow “flexibility”.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance was last year paid out to almost 150,000 families in respect of 264,400 children.
Many families get the payment automatically and don’t need to apply.
However, those who haven’t been notified of the payment on their MyWelfare account or through post could miss out on the lump sum.
And foster carers, who are the latest group to qualify for the payment under the new rules, must apply before applications close on September 30 this year to avoid missing out on the cash.
The once-off, means tested payment aims to assist eligible families with the cost of school clothing and footwear.
And commenting on the latest extension of the payment, Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary urged those eligible to apply.
He said: “Foster carers play an essential role in our care system, and I am committed to supporting them.
“That’s why I am really pleased to announce that children for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid will now be eligible for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
“In the Programme for Government, we said that we would examine the Back-to-School eligibility criteria to allow flexibility for foster carers and I am pleased to fulfil this commitment.
“We expect some 2,300 children in foster care will now be eligible for this important allowance and I encourage foster care families to apply online at MyWelfare.”
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley TD vowed to work alongside Calleary to continue providing further supports for foster carers.
She said: “Foster carers look after around 87 per cent of children in State care and they do so much great work every day.
“They have campaigned for years for the right to get the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for the children they care for, and it is fantastic that this now has become a reality.”
The rates of payment for the 2025 Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme are €160 for children aged 4-11 years and €285 for children aged 12-22 years on or before 30th September 2025.
The children must be of age on or before September 30.
NO COVER OF EXTRA COSTS
MINISTER for Social Protection Dara Calleary last year confirmed that the BSCFA will not cover extra costs parents face ahead of the school year.
When asked by Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly if he is aware that many parents rely on back to school payments for help to pay for iPads or other devices used in the classroom, he confirmed the allowance only covers clothing and footwear.
But the Fianna Fail TD said parents may be eligible to apply for other social welfare payments.
Calleary said: “Applications for financial support which fall outside the rules and timeframe of the scheme may be considered for an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service.”
And students aged between 18-22 years must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2025 to retain an entitlement to the payment.
Deputy Emer Currie, Fine Gael’s spokesperson on childcare, said the new criteria is “an extremely welcome move” and urged all those eligible to apply for the cash.
She said: “Fine Gael is committed to reducing the cost of education and ensuring that all children reach their full potential at all stages of life.
BUDGET MEASURES
“Further investment in childcare and education in last year’s Budget was further proof of this commitment.
“My party in Government has worked hard to ensure every child in both primary and special schools can avail of a hot lunch through the Hot School Meals programme.
“Other measures include the Free Schoolbooks Scheme, which covers all students from primary school right through to the Leaving Certificate in the provision of schoolbooks and core classroom resources.
“Foster carers currently look after around 87 per cent of children in State care and I know they have campaigned to be included in this scheme.”
She added: “I will continue to work with my Government colleagues on their behalf to ensure they have the supports they need for the children in their care.”
