Kitting a child out for school — uniform, shoes, coat, the lot — costs a small fortune every August. The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is a once-a-year payment to help low-income families with exactly that. The best part: for a lot of families it's paid automatically in July, so you don't even have to apply.
Quick facts
- Worth
- A set amount per child (more for older children)
- Who
- Low-income families on a qualifying payment, with school-age children
- Children
- Typically ages 4–17 (and 18–22 in full-time education)
- When
- Paid in the summer, ahead of the new school year
- Apply?
- Often paid automatically — otherwise via MyWelfare
Who qualifies for the Back to School Allowance?
You usually qualify if you are on a qualifying social welfare payment (such as Working Family Payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker's, a disability or carer's payment), your household income is under the limit for your family size, and you have a child of qualifying age in school or full-time education.
You can usually get the allowance if:
- You're getting a qualifying social welfare payment (such as Working Family Payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Jobseeker's, a disability or carer's payment, or the State Pension where children are involved), or you're on certain training/education schemes.
- Your household income is under the limit for your family size.
- You have a child of the qualifying age in school or full-time education.
What are the income limits in 2026?
As a guide from recent limits: around €694 a week for a couple with one child, around €551 a week for a one-parent family with one child, and roughly €62 a week added to the limit for each additional child. Income is assessed after certain deductions — confirm the current 2026 thresholds on gov.ie.
The allowance is means-tested, so your weekly household income must be at or below a limit that rises with each child. The exact thresholds are set in the Budget each year — confirm the 2026 figures on gov.ie — but as a guide (recent limits):
- Couple, 1 child: around €694 a week
- One-parent family, 1 child: around €551 a week
- Each additional child: add roughly €62 a week to the limit
Income is assessed after certain deductions (like PRSI), and if you're already on a qualifying payment you're often within the limit automatically — so don't rule yourself out. Use the calculator on gov.ie to be sure.
How much is the Back to School Allowance in 2026?
It is a single lump sum per qualifying child: as a guide from recent rates, €160 per child aged 4–11 and €285 per child aged 12 and over. The exact figures are set in each year's Budget, so confirm the current 2026 amounts on gov.ie before you plan around them.
It's a single lump sum per qualifying child, with a higher rate for older children. As a guide, recent rates were €160 per child aged 4–11 and €285 per child aged 12 and over. The exact figures are set in the Budget each year, so confirm the current 2026 amounts on gov.ie.
How do you claim the Back to School Allowance?
Many families are paid automatically in July — check your account first. If you qualify but weren't paid automatically, apply on MyWelfare.ie during the summer application window with your payment details, your children's details and proof of education for older children. Applications typically close at the end of September.
Check for an automatic payment
Many families are paid automatically in July. Watch your bank account and post around then before assuming you need to apply.
Apply if it doesn't arrive
If you think you qualify but weren't paid automatically, apply through MyWelfare.ie during the application window (usually summer).
Have your details ready
Your payment details, your children's details, and proof they're in school or full-time education (for older children).
Apply before the deadline
There's a closing date each year (typically the end of September) — don't leave it too late or you'll miss out for that year.
Common questions
Do I have to apply for the Back to School Allowance?
How much is it per child?
What are the income limits for 2026?
What ages does it cover?
When's the deadline?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rates, age limits and deadlines change each year — always confirm the current details on gov.ie before you apply.
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