Tens of thousands of people on social welfare payments who may qualify for a "back-to-school" payment for their children have not been applying for the money, the Minister for Social Affairs has said.
Mr Brennan today announced a €18 million package to fund back-to-school expenses and said the funds would help with the cost of school clothing and footwear for the new school year.
Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan today announced a €18 million package to fund back-to-school expenses
But he said although it appeared more than 150,000 students benefited from the support scheme last year, tens of thousands who may qualify had not applied.
"I fully appreciate the enormous financial pressure many parents are under when it comes to meeting the cost of uniforms and footwear for the new school year," Mr Brennan said.
"In an effort to help meet some of the financial strain families, particularly those on low incomes, feel at this time of year, I have approved funding €18 million for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, an increase of €1 million on payments under the scheme last year.
"I am appealing to people on welfare or low income employment to carefully examine the scheme conditions. This scheme is there to help those who genuinely need support in getting their children outfitted for the new school year."
Mr Brennan said he will also examine proposals he recently received from the Combat Poverty Agency on the benefits of promoting standardised school uniforms from major retail outlets, reforms of the school book scheme to provide an entitlement for-low income pupils, and the promotion of book rental schemes.
Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan
Under the back-to-school payment scheme, parents can get €80 for each eligible child between two and 11 years old and €150 for each child between 12 and 22.
They may apply to their local HSE office between now and the end of September.
Qualifying income limits are €368.10 or less for a couple with one child, €387.40 for a couple with two children and €406.70 for a couple with three children.
A lone parent with one child could have income of up €250.90 per week and qualify for a payment.