Thousands of people on social welfare could be set to receive a helpful financial boost this summer, thanks to a Government payment starting at €160, reports The Mirror.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is being reintroduced this year to help families manage the rising expenses of school uniforms and shoes before the academic year begins.
This annual lump sum is intended to lessen the financial strain on parents and guardians preparing for the school term. However, due to changes in how it is distributed, some people who previously got it automatically may now need to submit a manual application, reports The Mirror.
The amount granted ranges between €160 and €285 per child, based on their age. It is aimed at families on social welfare or those engaged in recognised education or employment programmes. Applications open in June, so checking eligibility now is key to ensuring you don’t miss out.
There are two payment tiers under the BSCFA, depending on the child’s age, reports The Mirror.
Parents or guardians of children aged four to 11 (as of September 30, 2025) could receive €160 per child.
Parents or guardians of children aged 12 to 22 (as of September 30, 2025) could be entitled to €285 per child, provided the child is returning to full-time secondary education in the autumn.
Children must be living in Ireland, and applicants must also reside in the country while receiving an eligible social welfare payment or taking part in an approved training or employment scheme. There are income thresholds that must be met, and in most instances, applicants need to be getting a Child Support Payment (previously known as Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) with their main welfare benefit, reports The Mirror.
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Parents or guardians of children aged between 12 and 22 (as of September 30, 2025) may receive a higher payment of €285 per child, as long as the child is returning to full-time, second-level education in the autumn.
Children must be resident in Ireland, and you must also be living in the State and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment or participating in an approved training or employment scheme. Your household income must also fall within specific limits, and in most cases, you must be receiving a Child Support Payment (formerly called Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) with your primary welfare payment, reports The Mirror.
In some situations, the payment will be issued automatically. If the Department of Social Protection (DSP) assesses that you meet the criteria, you’ll be informed via your MyWelfare account or by post.
However, not all families will be automatically included this year, especially those with older children between 18 and 22. In these cases, proof may be required to confirm that the child is returning to full-time second-level education at an accredited school or college, reports The Mirror.
If you do not get a letter or message from the DSP by the end of June, you must apply online through MyWelfare, even if you qualified last year.
What if I don’t get child support?
If you’re receiving a qualifying social welfare payment but aren’t getting a child support payment, you might still qualify for the BSCFA. This applies if your main benefit doesn’t cover child support (such as maternity benefit or adoptive benefit), or if your partner’s income is over the threshold for your primary payment but your household income remains within the BSCFA guidelines, reports The Mirror.
Foster children
Foster children are not eligible for the BSCFA. This is because foster carers receive a separate Foster Care Allowance, which already includes funding for clothing and footwear needs, reports The Mirror.
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