Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is a vital once-off payment that helps families with the expense of uniforms and shoes before the new school year begins. Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 2025
Here’s everything you need to know for 2025.
What Is the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance?
The BSCFA is a means-tested payment that helps parents and guardians with the extra costs of clothing and footwear when children return to school each autumn.
The scheme is open from 1 June to 30 September 2025.
How Much Is the Payment?
The rate depends on your child’s age:
| Child’s Age | Rate |
|---|---|
| 4 – 11 years | €160 |
| 12 – 22 years | €285 |
Note: Children aged 18–22 must be returning to second-level education this autumn to qualify.
Who Qualifies for the BSCFA?
To qualify, you must:
- Be receiving a qualifying social protection payment (such as Jobseeker’s Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, etc.)
- Or be on an approved employment, education, or training scheme
- Be getting a Child Support Payment (formerly Increase for a Qualified Child) for each child (with limited exceptions)
- Have children who are:
- Aged 4–17, or
- Aged 18–22 and returning to second-level education
- Have a household income within the set limits
- Live in Ireland, along with the child(ren) being claimed for
How Will I Know If I Qualify?
If you automatically qualify, you’ll receive a notification through your MyWelfare account or by post before the end of June 2025.
If you haven’t received a notification by the end of June, and you believe you qualify, you must apply manually — even if you qualified automatically in previous years.
How to Apply
The quickest way to apply is online via MyWelfare.ie from June 2025.
If you’re unable to apply online, you can:
- Call: 0818 11 11 13 or 071 91 93318
- Email: bscfa@welfare.ie
- Write to:
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Section
Department of Social Protection
College Road, Sligo
F91 T384
You can also download and print a PDF version of the application form from June 2025.
🛑 Deadline to apply: 30 September 2025
Final Tips
✅ Check your MyWelfare inbox before the end of June
✅ Apply early to avoid delays
✅ Make sure your details (bank, child age, school info) are up to date
✅ Don’t assume you’ll get it just because you received it last year — check again
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 2025
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