“Approximately 3,083 Kerry children are set to benefit from the Back to School Allowance,” – that’s according to Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin,TD.
In an email forwarded by Cllr. Bobby O’Connell, Minister Griffin outlines how the eligible can obtain the allowance and he provides a website address where eligibility can be verified.
“My colleague the Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, has announced the 2018/19 round of funding under the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which will benefit 170,000 children.
Over 3,000 Families to Benefit
“The Department of Social Protection estimates approximately 3,083 families in Kerry will benefit from the new round of funding, which will be paid the week ending Friday, 13th July.
“We all know the costs associated with going back to school in the autumn. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a means-tested once-off payment aimed at helping families with these costs to alleviate pressures at back to school time.
Important Scheme
“As announced by Minister Doherty, this year the Government is providing €49.5 million for this important scheme, an increase of €2.1 million on the allocation for 2017.
“The Government is able to provide this increase thanks to our recovering economy, driven by increasing employment. This means more money to improve social services and social supports. Fine Gael is determined to use the benefits of our recovering economy to support those who need it most.”
Clothing and Footwear Allowance
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is available to primary and secondary school students and is paid at a rate of €125 for children aged 4-11 and €250 for children aged 12 years and over.
Minister Griffin continued: “In order to qualify for the Allowance, the applicant must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments or be taking part in training, employment or adult education schemes, with total household income below a certain threshold.
Check Your Eligibility
“The vast majority of families who received this payment last year will receive it again this year without having to re-apply. Only those who do not receive notification of an automated payment by early July, or those who want to make a first time application, will need to apply.
“Everyone can check out their eligibility at www.welfare.ie/backtoschool
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