Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

Local News, Announcements

Tipperary families are urged to apply for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance before the closing date of 30th September.

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps you meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.

You (the parent or guardian) must be getting certain social welfare payments or taking part in training, employment or adult education schemes and your child or children must be aged between 4 and 17 on or before 30th September 2014 or aged between 18 and 22 on or before 30th September 2014 if in second-level education.

In 2014 the Department of Social Protection will pay BTSCFA automatically to many customers with children under 18. This means that many families do not have to apply for the payment. If you qualify automatically for the Allowance you will  have received a letter telling you when and how your allowance will be paid. You should have received this letter by 13th June 2014. If you did not receive an automatic payment you must apply for the Allowance. If any of your children are aged 18 or over you must apply for the Allowance for them and supply evidence that they are in second-level education (even if automatic payments have issued for other children in the family). Application forms are available online (pdf) .

This allowance is hugely beneficial in equipping families with necessary clothing and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term," said Tipperary TD Noel Coonan.

"The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 on or before 30th September 2014 is €100. The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 on or before 30th September 2014 is €200," concluded Deputy Coonan.