Applications for the scheme will open in June
Stock image(Image: Athanasios Alatsidis/Getty Images)
Applications for a key social welfare scheme that will be paid out to thousands of households this summer are set to reopen in the coming weeks. The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides a once-off, means-tested payment to eligible families to help cover the cost of schoolwear.
Several changes have been made to the scheme over the years, and this time around, eligible two and three-year-olds can qualify for the scheme for the first time.
The scheme pays €160 for eligible children aged two to 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second-level education. Since June 2025, if you are getting the Foster Care Allowance, you can apply for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for each foster child. To qualify for the payment, you must satisfy the conditions of the scheme.
Applications for the scheme typically open in June and payments are made throughout the summer. Many families automatically qualify for the payment and don’t need to apply. In 2025, over 126,000 families across the country availed of the scheme. You can find out more information about the payment here.
With the rising cost of living continuing to put households under pressure, many are turning to social welfare schemes for a helping hand to make ends meet. The recent fuel crisis, in particular, has put enormous strain on household finances, leading to the Government extending the Fuel Allowance scheme until May.
Beyond the Fuel Allowance scheme, there are several other social welfare packages designed to help people keep their homes warm despite rising costs. Among them is the Household Benefits Package, which can provide households with an additional €420 per year towards their gas or electricity bills.
What is the Household Benefits Package?
The Household Benefits Package (HBP) helps with the cost of your electricity or gas bills. It also includes your Free Television licence.The scheme provides monthly contributions of €35 that can be applied towards either electricity or natural gas allowances, alongside a complimentary television licence.You do not have to be living alone to get the Household Benefits Package, and the utility bills do not have to be in your name.
How to qualify for the Household Benefits Package
To get the Household Benefits Package, you must meet certain criteria
You are aged over 70You are aged between 66 and 70 and are getting a state pensionYou are aged between 66 and 70 and are not getting a state pension, but satisfy a means testYou are aged under 70 and getting an equivalent Social Security Pension/Benefit from another countryYou are aged under 66 and are getting Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Blind Persons Pension or Incapacity Supplement with Disablement BenefitYou are aged over 60 and receiving a Garda Widows’ PensionYou are widowed, or a surviving civil partner aged between 60 and 65, and your late spouse or civil partner was getting the Household Benefits packageYou are receiving Carer’s Allowance for a person you live with and are caring for
What will you be asked about?
Your living situation – If you live with someone you are caring for, you will need to provide their PPS Number.Your relationship details: You will need to provide your relationship status and may need to provide your partner’s PPS Number.Your electricity/gas and TV licence details: You will need to provide your electricity MPRN or gas GPRN. You may also need to provide your Television Licence Reference number where relevant.Your payment details: You will need to provide details of the bank account into which you would like to be paid or the post office for collection.
What is covered by the Household Benefits Package?
There are two allowances in the Household Benefits Package:Allowance 1 is an Electricity Allowance (€1.15 per day) or a Gas Allowance (€1.15 per day)Allowance 2 is a Free Television Licence
How is the Allowance paid?
The Allowance is paid into your nominated bank account or post office. The Allowance is paid on the first Tuesday of each month. If you are collecting your Allowance from the post office using your Public Services Card, you have 90 days to collect your payment.
As part of the Household Benefits Package, you can apply for the Electricity Allowance or Gas Allowance along with the Free Television Licence. You can learn more about the scheme here.