Back to School Allowance: Parents urged to apply early

PARENTS should apply for the Back-to-School Allowance as soon as they can to avoid the long delays and hold-ups of last year, Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD says.

The Dublin deputy said that people who are entitled to an automatic payment should have received their letters by the 20th June 2012.

Those applying for the allowance can obtain a form from their local Social Welfare Office, by downloading one from www.welfare.ie or by texting FORM BSCFA followed by your name and address to 51909.

The €150 available to parents qualifying for the allowance for children aged 11 and under, and €250 for children between 12 and 22, is to help with clothing their children for school.

“Many of the applications for the BSCFA are made by parents who are struggling to make ends meet and they clearly won’t be able to wait until October or November for this payment like last year, so Sinn Féin is urging people to get their applications in as soon as they can.”

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps you meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school. The scheme operates from June to September each year.

Your child/ren must be aged between 4 and 22 on or before 30 September of the year you apply.

The 2012 scheme opened on June 1st 2012.

In 2012 the Department of Social Protection will pay BTSCFA automatically to a large number of qualified people.This means that many families do not have to apply for the payment. If you received this payment last year and your circumstances have not changed you should have received a letter by mid-June stating when and how your allowance will be paid. If you haven't received a notification letter and are eligible for the allowance, you should make an application.

If you do not receive an automatic payment you must apply for the Allowance.

For more information visit: www.welfare.ie