Apply now for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance – Byrne

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Central, Catherine Byrne, has highlighted this week’s opening of the online application process for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and encouraged parents to apply now. The application forms are available at www.welfare.ie

“The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is a crucial support for families. The online application system for this payment opened this week and I encourage all those who may need it to apply.

“Many families who have children of school going age are struggling to make ends meet. The enormous costs associated with back to school time place extra pressure on parents. This allowance helps with the financial strain by meeting the cost of uniforms and school shoes.

“I also welcome the fact that the allowance will again be automatically approved for low income families who have qualified previously and meet the criteria again this year. If you qualify automatically for the allowance you will get a letter telling you when and how your allowance will be paid. This cuts down on bureaucracy in the system, and also removes unnecessary stress on parents by avoiding the need for them to reapply.

“If you are applying for the first time the online application forms are now available at www.welfare.ie. You can also pick up an application in person in your local Social Welfare or Intreo Office. The deadline for applications is the 30th September 2014.”