Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, is reminding families that applications remain open for the 2025 Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance until Monday, 30th September.

The scheme provides a once-off payment of €160 for children aged 4–11 and €285 for children aged 12 and over in second-level education, helping families meet the costs of school uniforms and footwear.

This year, the allowance has also been extended to foster care families for the first time, with thousands of children in foster care now expected to benefit.

Minister Canney said: “This is a really important support for families at a time when costs can be very high. I particularly welcome that foster carers are now included in the scheme for the first time, recognising the vital role they play and the additional costs they face. I would strongly encourage any family who has not already received the payment automatically to check their eligibility and apply without delay.”

Most eligible families have already received the allowance automatically this summer. 

Families who have not can check their eligibility and apply online at http://www.MyWelfare.ie before the closing date.