Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1153. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications that have been received for the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance in 2022; the number of applications that have been processed to date; and the number of those applications approved and the number declined. [43641/22]
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.
The allowance is payable for eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 in respect of whom a qualified child increase is being paid. It is also payable to those 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.
Similar to previous years, the majority of customers were awarded Back to School Clothing and Allowance without the need for an application and these customers were notified of their award by the 20 June. This year, close to 120,000 families in respect of approximately 212,000 qualified children were approved the allowance without the need for an application.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme opened to new applications on 20 June. Up to close of business 5 September, 50,747 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance applications have been received. The Department has processed 35,944 applications of which 22,234 have been approved for payment.
The closing date to apply for this year’s Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment is 30 September 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
