Clare families with young children are set to receive extra allowance

FAMILIES with young children are set to receive an additional allowance, as per the Department of Social Protection.

131,000 families are eligible for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. The rates of payments have also increased by €100 per child.

3,169 families in Clare will now receive €260 will be paid in respect of children aged 4 to 11 years old and €385 will be paid for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.

Calling the allowance “extremely important”, Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, said: “The Scheme itself is extremely important in terms of easing that financial burden associated with the purchase of uniforms and shoes ahead of the new school term.

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“As a Government we are deeply conscious of the need to continue to support families with the cost of living.”

Overall, payments totalling over €72 million will be made automatically to over 131,000 families, in respect of over 231,000 children.

Applications are open until September 30. People can also email the Department at [email protected] if they have an enquiry regarding their application or entitlement.