The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is a government payment designed to help parents and guardians with the rising costs of school uniforms and shoes. This annual support aims to ease the financial pressure on families as the new academic year approaches.
Many families will receive this payment automatically and be notified via their MyWelfare account or by post before 4 June 2025. If you don’t get a notification by that date, you’ll need to apply online at MyWelfare.ie. The application process opens on 4 June and the deadline to apply is 30 September 2025.
Who qualifies?
You may be eligible if:
- You receive a qualifying social welfare payment or take part in an approved employment, education, or training support scheme.
- Your total household income is within the BSCFA limits (see below).
- You and the child you’re claiming for live in Ireland.
You must also be receiving a Child Support Payment with your social welfare payment, unless you’re exempt (e.g., if your main payment doesn’t include a child allowance, like Maternity Benefit, or your partner’s income puts you over the IQC threshold but your household still meets BSCFA income rules).
Children who qualify
Your child must be:
- Aged 4-17 on 30 September 2025, or
- Aged 18-22 and returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college.
Foster children are not eligible as foster carers receive a separate allowance for clothing and footwear.
Income Limits
Income thresholds vary depending on the number of children:
- 1 child: €694/week
- 2 children: €756/week
- 3 children: €818/week
- 4 children: €880/week
(Add €62 for each additional child)
Income is assessed before tax but excludes PRSI and up to €20 per week in travel costs. Some payments, like Child Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance, and Working Family Payment, do not count in the income test.
How much will you get?
- Children aged 4-11: €160
- Children aged 12-22: €285 (must be in second-level education)
Need help?
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or need help with an application, call (071) 919 3318 or 0818 111 113, or visit Gov.ie/BSCFA.
Don’t miss out—apply before 30 September 2025 if you’re not automatically approved.
What is the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA)?
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