Over 2,000 Offaly families to receive Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
Offaly families who think they may be eligible for the payment are encouraged to check their entitlement as the scheme remains open until September 30
Over 2,000 families across Offaly are set to receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance this week.
The payment from the Department of Social Protection supports eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term.
The scheme has been extended this year to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. As a result of this extension, it is estimated that approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year.
The rates of payment for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are €160 for children aged 2 to 11, and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.
Overall, payments totalling more than €48.8 million will be made this week to over 126,000 families, in respect of over 233,000 children. A notification of the automated payment is sent to families by post or through their MyWelfare account.
Speaking on the update, Fine Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen said: “2,324 payments will be made this week to families in Offaly eligible for the allowance. The total value of payments for Offaly is €916,475 and will undoubtedly be a great support to families over the coming weeks as uniforms and school shoes are bought.”
Deputy Clendennen concluded: “I would encourage any family in Offaly who think they may be eligible for the payment to check their entitlement. The scheme remains open until September 30th.”