Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a breakdown of a means test in respect of the back-to-school allowance will be provided to a person (details supplied) who appears to be over the limit by €12 but is under the limit according to her calculations; if a review will be undertaken as to their eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40304/22]
View answerThe Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 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 scheme operates from June to September each year.
In order to qualify for Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, an applicant must satisfy a number of qualifying conditions, one of which requires the applicant’s household income to be within the relevant income limits.
A review of the eligibility to the allowance for the person concerned has been undertaken and their application for the allowance has not been awarded as their household income is in excess of the relevant income limit. Details of the means assessed will be sent to the person concerned.
Applications which fall outside the normal rules of the scheme may be considered for an additional needs payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme by the Community Welfare Service (CWS).
Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an additional needs payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service. There is a National CWS Contact Centre in place – 0818-607080 – which will direct callers to the appropriate office.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
