The expansion of scheme means that an estimated 37,000 more children will qualify for the payment this year — and applications are still open
Applications for the 2026 Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which supported more than 144,000 families with school expenses last year, are now open
The payment date for a crucial social welfare benefit has been announced.
The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance delivers a one-off payment to qualifying families towards school uniform and footwear expenses. It’s scheduled to be distributed from the week commencing July 13, 2026.
The programme has been expanded this year to encompass children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. Due to this expansion, approximately 37,000 additional children are expected to become eligible for the allowance this year.
The payment rate for 2026 stands at €160 for children aged 2 – 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and above attending second level education. The vast majority of payments will be issued automatically without requiring an application form.
The scheme is open from June 1 to September 30 annually.
Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will be paid automatically to more than 109,000 families covering almost 202,000 children throughout the week starting 13th July, reports RSVP Live.
The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a one-off, means tested payment which helps families with the cost of clothing and footwear for school(Image: UIG via Getty Images)
Many families receive the BSCFA automatically. If you receive an automatic payment, there’s no need to submit an application for the BSCFA, reports RSVP Live.
If you have not got an award notification for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance by the end of June, and you satisfy the qualifying conditions, you will need to make an application even if you have automatically got the payment in previous years.
Families who don’t receive confirmation from the Department regarding an automated payment ought to submit an application online via www.MyWelfare.ie, regardless of whether they received a payment last year.
The deadline to apply for this year’s Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is September 30, 2026.
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary stated: “I know that the costs for going back to school or preschool can place real pressure on families. That is why I am particularly pleased that, with the support of my colleague Minister Norma Foley, we are extending the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to include 2 and 3-year-olds for the first time.
“This means thousands more families across the country will receive practical support at a time when it matters most.”
He added: “Applications for 2026 are now open. Last year, 144,000 families in respect of 256,000 children benefitted from the scheme. The extra investment this year will help even more parents and guardians with the cost of clothing and footwear, while giving children the best possible start as they prepare for the year ahead.”
Who can claim the Back To School Allowance?
You can receive the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) if you have a child that qualifies, and:
You are getting a qualifying social welfare payment, or are participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme. See a list of qualifying payments and schemes on Gov.ie.Your household is within the BSCFA income limitsYou and each child you claim the BSCFA for are resident in Ireland.
If you are in receipt of a social welfare payment, you must be receiving an Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) alongside your payment, although there are certain exceptions to this rule.
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