I am currently on Jobseekers Allowance. Is there a payment to help with the costs of children going to school?
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps you meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school. Your child must be aged between 4-17 on September 30. If they are aged between 18-22, they must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of the year you are applying.
How do I quality to claim the BTSCFA?
To qualify, you must be getting a social welfare payment or taking part in a training, employment or adult education scheme. In general, you must be getting an Increase for a Qualified Child with your payment. People getting the Working Family Payment and the Back to Work Family Dividend can qualify for BTSCFA. Also, your total family income must be below a certain level for your family size as laid out in the table below:
Weekly income limits for 2022
1 child – Income limit €620
2 children – Income limit €668
3 children – Income limit €716
4 children – Income limit €764*
*The income limit is increased by €48 for each additional dependent child.
What is the BTSCFA rate this year?
In 2022, the allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 on 30 September 2022 is €160. The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 on 30 September is €285. Children aged between 18 and 22 years must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2022.
When can you apply for the BTSCFA?
The BTSCFA scheme is open for applications from 20 June 2022 until 30 September 2022.
I am living and working in Ireland but my child is living in another EU country. Can I claim BTSCFA?
No. You cannot claim BTSCFA for a child who is not resident in the State.
I have applied for a qualifying social welfare payment but have not got a decision. Can I apply for the BTSCFA?
If you have applied for a social welfare payment, or have appealed a decision not to award you a social welfare payment and are waiting for a decision on your application, you should apply for the BTSCFA before the scheme closes. Your entitlement to the BTSCFA will be decided when you get a decision on your application or appeal.
How do I apply for the BTSCFA?
The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection pays the BTSCFA automatically to many families. This means that they do not have to apply for the payment. If you qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment you will automatically get a confirmation letter before 20 June 2022.
If you do not get a letter confirming you will get the payment automatically by June 20, 2022, you can apply for the BTSCFA online on www.MyWelfare.ie. You must have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account to apply online.The closing date for applications is September 30, 2022
If you need further information about any of the issues raised here or you have other questions, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information Service in West Cork on 0818 07 8390. They will be happy to assist you and if necessary arrange an appointment for you.
WEST CORK HELPLINE 0818 07 8390
The Bantry office is staffed from 10am -5pm from Monday to Thursday and on Friday from 10am -4pm. Alternatively you can email on bantry@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie
