A once-off payment each summer to help with school uniforms and shoes. Find out if you will be paid automatically or need to apply, and get ready for the 2027 scheme.
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) is a once-off payment of €160 or €285 for each qualifying child. Many families are paid automatically in July; if you are not, you apply on MyWelfare.ie between June and 30 September.
The 2026 scheme closed on 30 September 2026. The 2027 scheme opens in June 2027, so use this guide to get ready.
Who this is for
- You get a qualifying social welfare payment, or you are on an approved employment, education or training scheme.
- You usually get a Child Support Payment for each child you claim for. Some payments, such as Working Family Payment, are exceptions.
- Your household income is under the limit for your family size.
- Each child is aged 2 to 17 on 30 September, or 18 to 22 and going back to full-time second-level school.
- You and each child live in Ireland.
- Foster parents on Foster Care Allowance can apply for each foster child.
| Number of children | Income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | €726.70 |
| 2 | €804.70 |
| 3 | €882.70 |
| 4 | €960.70 |
| Each extra child | add €78 |
Child Benefit and Working Family Payment do not count as income. Capital, such as savings, is assessed, but your own home is not.
What you need
- Your PPS (Personal Public Service) number, your partner's and each child's
- A verified MyGovID account to apply online
- Your household's weekly income, savings, investments and any property other than your home
- A payslip dated between 1 June and 30 September if you work, or your latest Revenue Notice of Assessment if you are self-employed
- For 18 to 22-year-olds: a letter from the school confirming second-level education
- Bank details (IBAN and BIC) or a post office, if you do not already get a weekly payment
Step by step
- Check your MyWelfare account and post in June. Many families get an award notice saying they will be paid automatically.
- Do nothing more if you get an automatic award. The money arrives in July.
- Apply yourself if you have no award notice by the end of June, even if you were paid automatically last year.
- Log in to MyWelfare.ie with your verified MyGovID and choose the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.
- Add each child, your income details and your payment details, then submit.
- Apply before the closing date even if you are still waiting for a decision on your main payment. Your BSCFA claim will be decided with it.
- Use the paper form if you cannot apply online. Post it to BSCFA Section, Department of Social Protection, College Road, Sligo, F91 T384.
How much it costs and how long it takes
In 2026, applications opened on 3 June and automatic payments were made in the week beginning 13 July. Budget 2027 did not announce any change to the rates. Check the 2027 rates and income limits when the scheme opens.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you will be paid automatically because you were last year. If no notice arrives, apply.
- Missing the 30 September closing date.
- Forgetting children aged 2 and 3. They now qualify.
- Not claiming for a teenager aged 18 to 22 who is repeating or finishing second-level school.
- Waiting for a decision on your main payment before applying. Apply now and it will be decided together.
If something goes wrong
- BSCFA section: 0818 11 11 13 or 071 919 3318, or BSCFA@welfare.ie.
- If you are refused, write to the BSCFA Review Section and say why you think the decision is wrong.
- BSCFA decisions cannot be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The review is your route.
- Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.
Related guides
- How to apply for Child Benefit
- How to apply for the One-Parent Family Payment
- How to apply for the Working Family Payment
- How to get a verified MyGovID
- How to get a PPS number
The 2027 scheme opens. Check new rates and income limits; Budget 2027 announced no change to the allowance.
Expected closing date for the 2027 scheme
Child Support Payment rises to €64 (under 12) and €84 (12 and over) under Budget 2027
