Families can now avail of a new government service whereby they can apply for Back to School Clothing Allowance applications forms by a simple text message.
That’s according to local Fianna Fail TD Frank Fahey who is encouraging families to apply for the allowance as soon as possible.
“I know it is hard to think ahead to the ‘back to school’ season at this early stage in the summer but I want to encourage parents who think they may be eligible to apply for the Back to School Clothing Allowance as soon as possible.
“The applications can take between six to eight weeks to process and if payments are to be made in advance of the new school term, they need to be sent in as soon as possible.”
More families than ever will be able to avail of the allowance this year as a result of increased income thresholds and the rise in the number of people on the live register, he says.
“The threshold levels were increased by €50 and that has brought the income limits for the allowance for parents with one child to €560 for couples and €407 for those parenting alone.
“Another measure which was introduced since last year was an additional allowance of €215 payable to 18 year olds in full-time education for whom the half rate child benefit is now applied. Total back to school payment in respects of children aged 18 is €520.”
People may qualify for payment of the clothing allowance if they receive a ocial welfare payment (including family income supplement ) or Health Service Executive payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels.
“The scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the HSE and staff are in place now to deal with claims.”
To text for application forms for the allowance simply text FORM BTSCFA to 51909 followed by your name and address. Application forms are also available on the Department website at www.welfare.ie or from lo call 1890 20 23 25.
