Southside families advised ‘Back to School Scheme’ open in September - Martin

Southside families should be aware that they can apply for support under the ‘Back to School Clothing Scheme’ until the end of September, according to local Fianna Fáil TD and Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheál Martin.

“As classes resume in Togher, Ballyphehane, Turners Cross and across the Southside many families are facing increased bills for books and clothes. The Government has set aside €82m to support parents during this period which has been made available through the Clothing and Footwear Scheme.”

“Thousands of applications have been received since the start of June, however local families who believe they are entitled to the scheme and have not applied still have time to get their form in.”

“The scheme will remain open until the end of September and I would encourage parents in our communities to take some time out over the coming days and examine if they are entitled to support.”

“The allowance helps parents to meet the cost of school uniforms and footwear. Parents receive €200 for each eligible child aged between 2 and 11 years and €305 for each eligible child aged between 12 and 22 years. Parents are welcome to apply through local health centres on the Southside.”

“A mobile text service can be used to obtain an application form for the allowance. For an application form text - FORM BTSCFA - to 51909 followed by your name and address.”

“A person may qualify for payment of the allowance if they are in receipt of a Social Welfare payment (including Family Income Supplement), or a Health Service Executive payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels. The weekly income limit for the allowance for parents with one child is now €563.60 for couples and €410.10 for those parenting alone.”

“It is important to note that processing of each application can take a little bit of time so I would encourage people to make their application as quickly as possible”, concluded Minister Martin.