Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has today opened applications for the 2024 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a once-off payment made to eligible families to assist them with the cost of sending their children back to school. The rate of payment for 2024 is €160 for children aged 4 - 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education. Some €65.2 million has been secured for the scheme this year - with more than 118,000 families set to receive the allowance automatically on the week beginning July 8th.
Speaking today, the local Minister said; "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. I'm pleased to confirm that more than 118,000 families - in respect of 207,000 children - will receive the support automatically next month and are currently being notified by my Department. Anyone who does not receive a notification can contact my Department directly to check their eligibility."
