Eligibility criteria for back to school scheme extended for thousands
Thousands of households will be able to receive this year's Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance after the eligibility for the scheme was extended.
The one-off, means tested payment helps families with the cost of clothing and footwear for school. The rate of pay for 2025 is €160 for children aged 4 - 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education, Dublin Live reports.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has confirmed that the eligibility for the scheme is being extended to now include children for whom Foster Care Allowance is being paid, meaning an estimated 2,300 children will now qualify for the grant.
Minister Calleary 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.'
How can I apply for the allowance?
The allowance is handed out automatically, which means that most people who are eligible for the necessary payment will receive it directly. However, sometimes this might not be the case and you may need to apply for it. Find out more about how to apply here.
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