Managing Back To School Costs
The school year is nearly at an end and it won’t be long until September is with us again and the kids go back to school – with all the associated costs. The list can seem endless. Rather than wait for the last frantic weeks of August, it’s a good idea to start planning now and to try and spread the cost of going back to school over the summer. To help you plan for this MABS have produced a leaflet offering practical tips and guidance on how to plan for back to school costs.
Contact your local MABS or National Traveller MABS for a copy or download it from the MABS website at http://www.mabs.ie/publications
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance helps you to meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school. The Scheme runs from June 1st until September 30th. You may qualify for the Allowance if you are:
- Getting a social welfare payment (including the Family Income Supplement) or a Health Service Executive payment
- Taking part in an approved employment scheme
- Taking part in a recognised education or training course
- Involved in an Area Partnership Scheme
- Attending a SOLAS, Fáilte Ireland or LES training scheme
To qualify for this allowance, your household income must be below a certain limit, depending on your family composition. In general, the rate of the allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 on or before 30th September is €100.
For each eligible child aged 12-22 on or before the 30th September the rate is €200. If your child is aged between 18-22 they must be in full-time education in a recognised school or college. Third level education is not included. For more information, log on to www.welfare.ie or lo call 1890 66 22 44.