€1.4 million available for back to school allowances in Waterford

Minister Mary Butler has welcomed the fact that 3,919 families in County Waterford will receive €1,498,080 from the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, announced that over 126,000 families nationwide will receive over €48.8 million in payments, for over 233,000 children.

The scheme has been extended this year to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. As a result of this extension, it is estimated that approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year.

The payment from the Department of Social Protection is designed to support eligible families with the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the upcoming school term.

The rates of payment for the allowance are €160 for children aged 4 to 11, and €285 for children aged 12 years and over, in second level education.

Minister Butler said: "I am acutely aware of the financial pressures some families in Waterford face during the months where children are getting ready to begin a new school year.

"This scheme will help alleviate some of the stress parents face, meaning they don't have to worry about where the money will come from to pay for new school uniforms at the start of each year."

The allowance scheme is open for applications until September 30 and eligible families are being encouraged to apply. 

A notification of the automated payment is sent to families by post or through their MyWelfare account.

In conclusion Minister Butler said: "I, along with my Fianna Fáil colleagues in Government, will support further targeted and sustainable measures in the upcoming Budget that focus on bringing down the high cost of living for families."