BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ALLOWANCE

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear allowance is a special support payment to help parents with meeting the cost of uniforms and footwear for children returning to school.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 scheme. If you are receiving a Social Welfare payment or a Health Service Executive payment and you have a dependent child you may qualify for the allowance. If you are a participant on certain approved employment or training schemes you may also qualify for the allowance.

The allowance is: 

€200 for each eligible child aged 2 – 11

€305 for each eligible child aged 12 – 17

€305 for each eligible child aged 18 – 22 who is in full-time education.

For more information you can: 

• Log on to the Social Welfare website at www.welfare.ie/publications/SW75

• Send an email request for an information booklet to forms@welfare.ie  giving your name and address and the name of the booklet/scheme

• Order an information booklet from LoCall 1890 20 23 25 at any time

• Call the Department of Social and Family Affairs at LoCall 1890 66 22 44 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday

• Call the Citizens Information Phone Service at LoCall 1890 777 121 from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Friday

• Visit your Social Welfare Local Office or Citizens Information Centre

• Contact the Community Welfare Officer at your local Health Centre.

If you have not already applied, you should do so as soon as possible to ensure you receive your payment before the school year commences. Applications should be made to the Community Welfare Officer at your local Health Centre. The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday, 30 September 2008.

Department of Social and Family Affairs

An Roinn Gnóthaí Sóisialacha agus Teaghlaigh                        

www.welfare.ie