Applications for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are now open.
More than 120,000 families will automatically receive the allowance in July.
The rates of payment have been increased by €100 per child for 2023.
It's now €260 for children aged 4 to 11 years old, and €385 for children aged 12 years and older, who are in secondary school.
The allowance is a once-off payment to help parents with buying uniforms and footwear.
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys says the majority of those who are entitled to the payment will receive it automatically.
“As in previous years, more than 80% of payments under this scheme will be paid without the need to make an application.
"My Department will issue automatic payments to more than 120,000 families in July, and I would urge all families to check their eligibility for this important scheme.”
The closing date for applications is 30th September 2023.
The Department of Social Protection can be contacted on email at bscfa@welfare.ie or through a dedicated phoneline, at 071-9193318 or 0818-11-11-13 during usual business hours, Monday to Friday from 9 am - 5 pm.
Further information on the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is available at www.gov.ie/bscfa
