Have you received your back to school allowance letter? – Kelly

Cllr Anthony Kelly has urged anyone who believes that they are entitled to the Back to School Allowance but have not yet received a confirmation letter from the Department of Social Protection to apply immediately for the grant. Changes to the scheme this year meant that the allowance would automatically be paid out to those who qualify for it and a letter of notification would be sent no later than June 20th.

“The Back to School clothing and footwear allowance is designed to helped families with the cost of uniforms and footwear for school children,” Cllr Kelly said. “The scheme operates between June and August and usually parents would have had to apply for the grant. Due to the large amount of people who will be entitled to the scheme this year the process has been made automated, meaning that if you qualify you will automatically be paid out without having to apply.”

“This process includes a letter of notification that will be received by entitled parents no later than June 20th. It is critical that you apply to the Department of Social Protection in writing if you have not yet received this letter of confirmation and feel you are entitled to this grant. Failure to do so may mean that you will miss out on the grant or it will be delayed.”

“The rates of payment under the scheme are €150 for children between the age of 4 and 11 years and €250 for children between 12 and 22 years. To qualify for the BSCFA, a person must be in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment, and they must also satisfy a means test.”

A phone line is now operational to deal with queries on the scheme. The Lo-call number is 1890 662244. Application forms for the scheme are available from local Social Welfare Offices, via SMS by texting “Form BTSCFA” followed by your name and address to 51909 and online at www.welfare.ie. Anyone confused about this scheme or their eligibility for it can contact Cllr Anthony Kelly on 087-1361785.