The administrative arrangements for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance in 2011 are different from the arrangements in previous years. This year most of the process will be automated. This means that you may not need to fill out an application form for the payment. If you qualify you will get a letter from the Department of Social Protection in mid-June telling you how and when the payment will be made. The Department expects that over 80% will get the Allowance automatically.  These payments will issue from the end of June 2011. If you do not qualify automatically you must apply in the normal way (see below).

Rates

The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 2-11 on or before 30 September 2011 is €200.

The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 on or before 30 September 2011 is €305.

How to apply

The scheme is open from 1 June to 30 September.

Most people who received the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance in 2010 do not need to apply for the payment this year.  You should have received a letter from the Department by now, telling you when your payment will be made.

If you have not received this letter you will need to apply. From 30 June 2011 you can download the form for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance from either welfare.ie or communitywelfareservice.ie.

You can also get the form from your Social Welfare Local Office, health centre or by texting ‘form BTSCFA’ followed by your name and address to 51909.

For further information you can contact the Department of Social Protection on 1890 66 22 44 or call the Askonefamily helpline on 1890 66 22 12