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Research from Zurich has the average cost of sending a child to primary school each year is €830. The average annual cost for a child entering secondary school is €1,495.  To help with this cost the Govenment has the Back-to-School Allowance.

What is the Back-to-School Allowance?

The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance can help parents meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for their children. The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 is €260. Children aged 12-22 in full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2021 is €385.

Parents who automatically qualify would have received their payment from the week starting 12 July 2021. If you haven’t received the payment then you still may be able to qualify for this means-tested payment. The scheme is open for applications from 21 June 2022 to 30 September 2022.

Is the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Means Test?

To qualify for the Allowance, your total household income must be less than the amounts set out in the table below. Unfortunately, if you are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit then this may also be assessed and all savings over €5,000.

Weekly income limits for couples 2022

Couple                      Income limit

1 child                       €620

2 children                  €668

3 children                  €716

4 children                  €764*

*The income limit is increased by €48 for each additional dependent child.

Qualifying Social welfare payment for Back-to-School Allowance

  • Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment
  • Family income supplement
  • HSE payment
  • Approved employment schemes
  • Approved Training courses
  • FET course
  • Back to Education Allowance

Log on to https://www.gov.ie/en/service/41eb8b-back-to-school-clothing-and-footwear-allowance/   for more information and the application form.