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Smith urges parents to avail of Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance
Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Education Brendan Smith TD is urging parents across the country to avail of the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance without delay.
“Approximately €80 million is being made available this year to help families with the cost of school uniforms ahead of the new school year in September,” said Deputy Smith.
"The new school year puts extra financial strain on families. I have spoken to many parents in my own constituency of Cavan/Monaghan whose family budgets are under pressure. This allowance offers financial support to help them through this difficult period.”
Around 160,000 families with over 300,000 children are expected to benefit from the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance this year. Under the scheme, parents receive €200 for each eligible child aged between 2 and 11 years and €305 for each eligible child aged between 12 and 22 years.
[available for 18-22 yr olds if in full-time education]
Deputy Smith continued, “The Department of Social Protection has changed the administrative arrangements for the allowance and it will be paid in most cases automatically. Most people will be receiving letters informing them of the amount that will be paid to them and it will be received from the end of June. “For people who don’t receive a letter about their allowance, application forms will be available from June 30th. A mobile text service can be used to get an application form by texting - FORM BTSCFA - to 51909 followed by your name and address. “I would encourage all parents who do not receive letters about an automatic payment to make contact with the Department of Social Welfare as early as possible to ensure they have the money needed to prepare for the new school year.”
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