THE SCHOOL holidays may be just beginning, but Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin is advising low-income families to apply for back-to-school clothing and footwear allowances now.
Ms Hanafin says families can spread the costs of uniforms and other back-to-school costs by applying early for the €46 million scheme, which is expected to benefit 190,000 primary and post-primary pupils this year.
The payments are funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Parents receive €200 for each eligible child aged between two and 11 years and €305 for each child aged between 12 and 22 years. Parents can apply to their local Health Service Executive (HSE) office for funding under the scheme until the end of September.
The scheme is available to people in receipt of certain social welfare and HSE payments, as well as those on low incomes who are getting Family Income Supplement, or who are taking part in approved employment schemes or training courses.
“Planning for and making a timely application for this financial assistance now can help parents as they arrange for their child’s return to school,” the Minister said.
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