Ensure your children are prepared for the new school year with this vital support. Find out if you’re eligible and if so how much you qualify for.
Read on for key dates and information for 2025.
Automatic Payments
Good news! Over 114,000 families will automatically receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance this month. You don’t need to apply if you’re eligible for automatic payment. The first payments will be issued during the week starting 14th July. You will receive a notification via MyWelfare or by post if you are due to automatically receive this payment.
What Are The Back To School Clothing And Footwear Allowance Payment Rates For 2025?
The 2025 payment rates are:
- €160 for each child aged between 4-11 on 30 September 2025
- €285 for each child aged between 12-22 on 30 September 2025 who are in full-time second-level education
Note: Students aged 18-22 must be returning to full-time second-level education to qualify.
Application Details
If you do not receive a notification about an automatic payment, and you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you must apply online, (even if you received the allowance last year)
Closing date for applications is 30th September, 2025
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, you must meet the following criteria
- The child must be aged between 4-17 on 30 September 2025, or aged 18-22 and returning to full-time second-level education.
- You must be in receipt of a qualifying social protection payment or participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme to be eligible.
- You must receive Child Benefit payments (with some exceptions).
- Your household income must be within the specified limits.
- Both you and the child must be resident in the State.
Need Further Assistance?
For any queries or assistance, please contact the Department of Social Protection:
- Email: Via their website. https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/
- Phone: (071) 9193318 or 0818111113
- Phone Lines Open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
