Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1117. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of universally introducing the back-to-school allowance to all recipients of the widows pension who have school going children. [42967/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
This year, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payment has been increased by €100 for the 2022 scheme year, building on the previously announced increase of €10. The rates of payment for the 2022 scheme year are €260 for children aged between 4 and 11 years and €385 for children aged 12 and over.
To qualify for the allowance a person must satisfy a number of conditions, including being within the relevant income limit. This year, the income limits for one parent families were increased to bring them in line with the income limits for two parent families, widening the eligibility for that cohort of customers.
The estimated cost of universally introducing the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to all recipients of the Widows Contributory Pension who have school going children is €2.7 million.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
