Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

 

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is a payment to help families with the cost of school uniforms and shoes.

Many families get the BSCFA automatically. If you are paid automatically, you don’t need to apply for the BSCFA. You will get notified on your MyWelfare account or by post by 9 June 2025.

If you were not notified by 9 June 2025, you need to apply for the BSCFA.

The closing date to apply for the 2025 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance was 30 September 2025.

Budget 2026

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance rate of €160 will be extended to children aged 2 and 3, who are eligible.

You can get the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) if you have a child that qualifies, and:

• 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 limits (see ‘Income limits’ below)
• You and each child you claim the BSCFA for are resident in Ireland