Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
55. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the mechanisms that will be in place to ensure that everyone that is entitled to the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance is made aware of this payment in advance of the summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29991/26]
View answerThe Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.
In 2025, over 144,000 families in respect of over 256,000 children benefited from the scheme at a cost of €55.36 million, of which almost 80% received the payment automatically without having to submit an application. It is anticipated that a similar number of automatic payments will be made this year. In Budget 2026, I was pleased to secure funding for the 2026 BSCFA scheme to be extended to include children aged 2 and 3 years. Funding of €60.4m has been allocated for the scheme in 2026.
The allowance is paid in respect of eligible children between the ages of 2 and 17 on or before 30 September, and eligible children between the ages of 18 and 22 on or before 30 September if returning to full time second level education.
The rates of payment for the scheme in 2026 are €160 for children aged between 2 and 11 years and €285 for children aged 12 and over.
Detailed information regarding the BSCFA scheme is published on the Government website www.gov.ie/bscfa, Citizen's Information website, and is available from my Department's network of Intreo Centres around the country. A Press Release will issue when the scheme opens for applications in early June.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
