Back To School Clothing & Footwear Allowance
Preparing for the new school year can be financially challenging for many families in Ireland. To assist with these expenses, the Department of Social Protection offers the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA), designed to help families manage the costs of school uniforms and footwear.
What is the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance?
The BSCFA is a financial support provided to eligible families to help cover the cost of school clothing and footwear for children. For the year 2025, the allowance amounts are:
• €160 for each eligible child aged 4-11 years
• €285 for each eligible child aged 12-22 years
Children aged 18-22 must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognized school in the autumn of 2025 to qualify.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the BSCFA, you must meet the following criteria:
• Social Welfare Payments: You must be receiving a qualifying social welfare payment or participating in an approved employment, education, or training support scheme.
• Residency: Both you and the child(ren) must be residents of Ireland.
• Age of Children: Children must be aged between 4-17 years on 30 September 2025. For those aged 18-22, they must be returning to full-time second-level education.
• Income Limits: Your total household income must be within the specified limits, which vary depending on the number of dependent children.
Income Limits for 2025
The income limits are based on your gross household income, including your main social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, wages (before tax), and any other income. The limits for 2025 are as follows:
• 1 child: €620
• 2 children: €668
• 3 children: €716
• 4 children: €764
Add €48 for each additional dependent child.
How to Apply
Many families receive the BSCFA automatically and will be notified by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). Automatic payments are typically made in early July. If you do not receive a notification by the end of June, you will need to apply. Applications can be submitted online through MyWelfare.ie, and you will need a verified MyGovID account to apply. If you require assistance, you can contact the BSCFA contact center at (071) 919 3318 or 0818 11 11 13.
Application Period
Applications for the BSCFA open in June and close on 30 September each year. It’s important to apply within this window to ensure you receive the support for the upcoming school term.
Additional Information
For more detailed information, including a list of qualifying social welfare payments and approved schemes, visit the Citizens Information website. This resource provides comprehensive guidance to help you navigate the application process and understand the eligibility criteria.
By taking advantage of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, eligible families can alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with the new school year, ensuring children are well-prepared and equipped for their educational journey.