Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 2026 — €160 or €285 per child
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance pays €160 per younger child and €285 per older child to help cover the cost of school uniforms and shoes. Most qualifying families receive it automatically in July — here is who qualifies and what to do if you do not receive it.
Back to School Allowance — At a glance
- Child aged 4–11
- €160 per child
- Child aged 12–22 (in education)
- €285 per child
- Paid
- Late July / early August
- Application needed
- Usually automatic
- Means-tested
- Yes
- Taxable
- No
Key facts — Back to School Allowance 2026
Who qualifies?
You qualify if you are receiving one of the following qualifying social welfare payments and have a child aged 4-22 in approved education:
- Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Disability Allowance
- Invalidity Pension
- Carer's Allowance
- Back to Education Allowance
- Farm Assist
- Working Family Payment (if household income is within limits)
Families not receiving social welfare but on low incomes may also qualify by applying directly and demonstrating income below the threshold.
Income limits
If you are not automatically qualifying through a social welfare payment, your household income must be below a threshold that varies with family size. For 2026, the general income threshold is approximately €623 per week for a family with one child, increasing by approximately €43 for each additional child. Verify the current threshold at gov.ie as it is updated annually.
How to make sure you receive it
- Check in July
If you are on a qualifying payment and have children registered on your claim, check your bank account in late July. The allowance is paid automatically for most qualifying families.
- Apply if not received automatically
If you did not receive it automatically, apply at MyWelfare.ie between May and September. You can also apply at your local Intreo Centre. Bring proof of children's ages and school enrolment.
- Check that children are registered on your claim
If your children are not registered on your social welfare claim, the payment will not be made automatically. Bring children's birth certificates and PPS numbers to your Intreo Centre.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance?
A once-per-year payment for school costs. In 2026, it is €160 per child aged 4-11 and €285 per child aged 12-22 in full-time education. Most qualifying families receive it automatically in July.
How much is the Back to School Allowance in 2026?
€160 per child aged 4 to 11, and €285 per child aged 12 to 22 who is in approved full-time education.
Who qualifies?
Families receiving qualifying social welfare payments (Jobseeker's Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Carer's Allowance, etc.) with children aged 4-22 in approved education. Low-income families not on welfare can also apply.
Do I need to apply?
In most cases, no. It is paid automatically in July to families on qualifying payments with children registered on their claim. If you do not receive it, apply at MyWelfare.ie between May and September.
When is it paid?
Late July or early August, as a lump sum to your bank account — before the school year starts.
What if I miss the application window?
Applications are normally accepted from May to September. If you miss the window, you may have to wait until the following year. Contact your Intreo Centre as they may accept late applications in certain circumstances.
- Most qualifying families do not need to apply — the payment is made automatically in July if your children are registered on your social welfare claim. But if they are not registered, you will miss it.
- If you receive the allowance at the lower rate (€160) for a child who has turned 12 during the year, you may be entitled to the higher rate (€285) going forward. Contact the Department to update your record.
- The allowance is not restricted to school uniforms — there is no requirement to spend it on specific items. It is a cash payment to help with back-to-school costs generally.
- Children up to age 22 may qualify if they are still in full-time education. Many families assume it only covers younger children.
- Families working but on low incomes can also qualify — not just those on social welfare. Working Family Payment recipients and other low-income families can apply directly.
- The application window is May to September. If you miss it, you generally must wait until the following year.
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance rates and eligibility rules.