The expansion of scheme means that an estimated 37,000 more children will qualify for the payment this year – and applications are still open
Euro money in a stock image(Image: Elizabeth Fernandez/Getty Images)
The payment date for a vital social welfare benefit has been confirmed.
The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides a once-off payment to eligible families to help cover the costs of school uniforms and footwear. It is due to be distributed from the week beginning July 13, 2026.
The scheme has been broadened this year to include children aged 2 and 3 for the very first time. As a result of this expansion, around 37,000 additional children are anticipated to become eligible for the allowance this year.
The payment rate for 2026 is €160 for children aged 2 – 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and above attending second level education. The overwhelming majority of payments will be issued automatically without the need to complete an application form.
The scheme runs from June 1 to September 30 each year, reports the Irish Mirror.
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.
A large number of families receive the BSCFA automatically. If you are in receipt of an automatic payment, there is no requirement to submit an application for the BSCFA.
Should you not have received an award notification for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance by the end of June, and you meet the qualifying conditions, you will need to submit an application even if you have previously received the payment automatically. Families who don’t receive confirmation from the Department concerning an automated payment should submit an application online via www.MyWelfare.ie, irrespective of whether they received a payment last year.
The closing date 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 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.
You can receive the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) if you have a child that qualifies, and:.
If you are in receipt of a social welfare payment, you must be receiving an Increase for a Qualified Child (IQC) alongside your payment, though there are specific exceptions to this requirement.
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