Back-to-school allowance to assist parents

MINISTER FOR Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin has urged parents of school-going children to apply by text for part of a €46 million allocation to meet back-to-school costs.

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is available to parents of families who receive a social welfare payment, a Health Service Executive payment, family income supplement or who take part in approved employment or training schemes.

The allowance provides €305 for pupils aged 12-22 and €200 for children from two to 11 years old.

Ms Hanafin has urged people who may qualify for the allowance to apply for it.

This year, parents can text FORM BTSCFA to 51909, followed by their name and address and they will receive an application form in the post. Alternatively, a form can be accessed at www.welfare.ie or by phoning 1890 20 23 25.

Completed applications should then be sent to community welfare officers at local health centres by September 30th.

It is expected that up to 190,000 primary and post primary pupils will benefit from the scheme this year.

Ms Hanafin said the scheme has expanded by 15 per cent this year.

"This scheme is there to help those who genuinely need support in getting their children kitted out for the new school year that is just upon us," she said.

"I urge all those who think they are eligible, to apply now. Don't overlook the chance to get some financial support to ease the pressure at this time of year."

The call came as thousands of post-primary pupils began returning to school for the autumn term.

Some primary schools will reopen tomorrow, although the majority will not start the new school year until September 1st.

Parents of pupils beginning post-primary school face bills of up to €1,000, including the cost of books, uniforms, footwear and other expenses.

While families of those attending primary school do not face such high expenses, September can be a difficult month for those on a tight budget.