Applications open for Back-to-School Allowance

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has opened applications for the 2026 Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which last year supported over 144,000 families with back-to-school costs.

The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides a once-off payment to eligible families towards the cost of school clothing and footwear.

The scheme has been extended this year to include children aged 2 and 3 for the first time. As a result of this extension, it is estimated that approximately 37,000 additional children will qualify for the allowance this year.

The rate of payment for 2026 is €160 for children aged 2 - 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.

Minister Calleary said: “I know that the costs for going back to school or preschool can place real pressure on families. That is why I am particularly pleased that, with the support of my colleague Minister Norma Foley, we are extending the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to include 2 and 3-year-olds for the first time. This means thousands more families across the country will receive practical support at a time when it matters most.

“Applications for 2026 are now open. Last year, 144,000 families in respect of 256,000 children benefitted from the scheme. The extra investment this year will help even more parents and guardians with the cost of clothing and footwear, while giving children the best possible start as they prepare for the year ahead.”

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, commented: “Education begins at the earliest point of a child's life, so early years education is vitally important. I welcome the extension of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance by Minister Calleary. It will truly support parents of young children as they begin their journey in education.”