Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
1013. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if those in receipt of the pandemic unemployment payment will be entitled to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance. [8166/20]
View answerThe back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The Government has provided €53.98m for the scheme in 2020 which operates from June to September.
The allowance is payable in respect of eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid and eligible children between the ages of 18 and 22 who are in full-time second level education and in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid.
I am currently considering proposals to make the necessary arrangements so as to ensure that those in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment with qualified children, and who need to avail of the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme, will be able to do so.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
