Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the extension of the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to include children aged two and three for the first time, with 4,654 Galway families set to automatically receive the payment in July.

The expansion of the scheme is expected to benefit approximately 37,000 additional children nationally this year, providing further support to families with the cost of clothing and footwear for children attending pre-school, primary school and second-level education.

More than 109,000 families nationwide will receive payments automatically during the week beginning 13 July. Families who do not receive notification from the Department of an automated payment should make an application online on www.MyWelfare.ie, even if they received a payment last year.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “I am delighted to see this important support being extended to include two and three-year-olds for the first time.

“The cost of raising children continues to place significant pressure on many families and those costs begin long before a child starts primary school. This extension recognises that reality and will provide practical assistance to thousands of additional families across the country.
“It is very welcome to see 4,654 Galway families benefitting from the payment this year. “

Under the 2026 scheme, eligible families will receive €160 for children aged between 2 and 11 years and €285 for children aged 12 years and over attending second-level education.

Families who qualify for an automatic payment will receive confirmation from the Department of Social Protection through their MyWelfare account or by post. Those who do not receive notification can apply online through https://services.mywelfare.ie/ from today.

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026.