Expanded school scheme will benefit 3,469 Waterford families
Minister Butler pictured with Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary TD
Government Chief Whip & Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has welcomed the extension of the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time.
The scheme opened for applications on Wednesday, June 3, and will see 3,469 families in Waterford automatically receive payments in July.
Nationally, an estimated 37,000 additional children will qualify for support this year as a result of the expansion.
Commenting on the development, Minister Butler said: "It’s so encouraging to see children aged 2 and 3 included in the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance for the first time. This extension means that over 35,000 additional children throughout the country will qualify for support. That’s over 35,000 additional families who can now avail of this practical measure to assist with the costs of preparing for the school year ahead."
She praised her Government colleagues, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD and Minister for Children, Norma Foley TD, for securing this extension.
The rate of payment for 2026 is €160 for children aged 2 to 11, and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second-level education.
More than 109,000 families will automatically receive the allowance nationally during the week beginning July 13, with payments being made in respect of almost 202,000 children.
Families who do not receive notification of an automatic payment should make an application through MyWelfare.ie even if they received a payment last year.
Applications are now open, and the closing date is September 30.
