It has been confirmed that the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance has been opened for the upcoming school year.
The scheme provides a once-off payment to aid with covering costs of school clothing and footwear for parents of school children.
This allowance provides support for 2,131 families in Laois and is a crucial scheme to help alleviate some pressure amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis.
In total €54.4 million has been secured for the fund to be used nationwide for the upcoming year.
Per family, this comes out as a total of €160 for each child – aged between 4-11 years old and €260 for anyone of the age of 12 in secondary school.
Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming and Fine Gael’s Willie Aird have both welcomed this news.
Deputy Fleming said: “Parents should not have to worry about basic goods such as school shoes or uniforms.
“This support means parents can focus on what really matters, their child’s education, not their bank balance.”
114,000 families will receive the payment into their bank automatically in the month of July, which will provide support for an estimated 197,000 children.
Deputy Aird said: “I know the pressure families can be under with back-to-school costs, and this allowance will go a long way in helping people.
“I urge all families to check their eligibility for this important scheme and encourage any family who do not receive notification from the Department of an automated payment to make an application online on www.MyWelfare.ie.
“The Scheme itself is extremely important in terms of easing that financial burden associated with the purchase of uniforms and shoes ahead of the new school term.
“Fine Gael are deeply conscious of the need to continue to support families.”
The applications for the Back to School clothing and footwear grant opened on June 9 and will close on September 30.
Finally Deputy Fleming concluded: “This scheme is a lifeline for many, especially during the rising living costs.”
“I’ll continue working with the Minister to keep supports like this in place for the families who need them most.”
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