Q. I am currently on Jobseekers Allowance. Is there a payment to help with the costs of children going to school?

A. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps you meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school. Your child must be aged between 4-17 on September 30. If they are aged between 18-22, they must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of the year you are applying.

Q. How do I qualify to claim the BTSCFA?

A. To qualify, you must be getting a Social Welfare payment or taking part in a training, employment or adult education scheme. In general, you must be getting an Increase for a Qualified Child with your payment. People getting the Working Family Payment and the Back to Work Family Dividend can qualify for BTSCFA. Also, your total family income must be below a certain level for your family size as laid out in the table below:

Weekly income limits for 2022

Number of children 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.

Q. What is the BTSCFA rate this year?

A. In 2022, the allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 on September 30, 2022 is €160.The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 on September 30 is €285. Children aged between 18 and 22 years must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of 2022.

Q. When can you apply for the BTSCFA?

A. The BTSCFA scheme is open for applications from June 20 until September 30 next.

Q. I am living and working in Ireland but my child is living in another EU country. Can I claim BTSCFA?

A. No. You cannot claim BTSCFA for a child who is not resident in the State.

Q. I have applied for a qualifying Social Welfare payment but haven't got a decision. Can I apply for the BTSCFA?

A. If you have applied for a Social Welfare payment, or have appealed a decision not to award you a Social Welfare payment and are waiting for a decision on your application, you should apply for the BTSCFA before the scheme closes. Your entitlement to the BTSCFA will be decided when you get a decision on your application or appeal.

Q. How do I apply for the BTSCFA?

A. The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection pays the BTSCFA automatically to many families. If you are paid automatically, you don’t have to apply for the BTSCFA. You will get a letter before June 20 to let you know that you will be paid automatically. The BTSCFA automatic payments will be paid the week beginning July 13.

If you did not get a letter confirming your payment automatically by June 20, you can apply for the BTSCFA online on www.MyWelfare.ie. You must have a Public Services Card and a verified MyGovID account to apply online.The closing date for applications is September 30.

If you need further information about any of the issues raised here or you have other questions, you can call a member of the local Citizens Information Service in Kerry on 0818 07 7860 Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. They will be happy to assist you and if necessary arrange an appointment for you.

Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie.

The National Phone Service is available on 0818 07 4000 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm.