Social welfare change-up leads to thousands more qualifying ...

Social welfare change-up leads to thousands more qualifying for nearly €200 lump sum

A social welfare change-up has led to thousands more people qualifying for a lump sum with nearly €200. It was confirmed in Budget 2026 that the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) has been extended to younger age groups. When the scheme opens again next year, children who are aged two and three will now be considered eligible and entitled to the rate of €160 - the same as the other younger cohorts. The BSCFA is a payment to help families with the cost of school uniforms and shoes, which many families can automatically qualify for. There can be different qualifying criteria, depending on the age group of the child. You could be considered eligible if you have a child that qualifies, and: You are getting a qualifying social welfare payment, or are participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme. Your household is within the BSCFA income limits You and each child you claim the BSCFA for are resident in Ireland. If you are getting a social welfare payment, you must be getting a Child Support Payment (previously called an Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) with your payment. There are some exceptions to this. To get the BSCFA, your child must be: Aged between 4-17 on 30 September in the year you apply Aged between 18-22 and returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school in the autumn of the year you apply Your child must be a resident in Ireland. Currently, the rate for children aged between 4 and 11 is €160, while children between 12 and 22 are eligible for €285 - these rates were confirmed to remain the same next year. However, it should be noted that children aged between 18 and 22 must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school. Parents and legal guardians may be asked to provide additional proof that their child is continuing their education. Many families will automatically qualify for BSCFA and therefore don’t need to apply. They will be notified of this via their MyWelfare account or by post in early June. Most years, the closing date for the scheme is in late September. You can find out more about BSCFA here.

A social welfare change-up has led to thousands more people qualifying for a lump sum with nearly €200.

It was confirmed in Budget 2026 that the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) has been extended to younger age groups.

When the scheme opens again next year, children who are aged two and three will now be considered eligible and entitled to the rate of €160 - the same as the other younger cohorts.

The BSCFA is a payment to help families with the cost of school uniforms and shoes, which many families can automatically qualify for.

There can be different qualifying criteria, depending on the age group of the child.

You could be considered eligible if you have a child that qualifies, and:

You are getting a qualifying social welfare payment, or are participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme. Your household is within the BSCFA income limits You and each child you claim the BSCFA for are resident in Ireland. If you are getting a social welfare payment, you must be getting a Child Support Payment (previously called an Increase for a Qualified Child or IQC) with your payment. There are some exceptions to this.

To get the BSCFA, your child must be:

Aged between 4-17 on 30 September in the year you apply Aged between 18-22 and returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school in the autumn of the year you apply

Your child must be a resident in Ireland.

Currently, the rate for children aged between 4 and 11 is €160, while children between 12 and 22 are eligible for €285 - these rates were confirmed to remain the same next year.

However, it should be noted that children aged between 18 and 22 must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school. Parents and legal guardians may be asked to provide additional proof that their child is continuing their education.

Many families will automatically qualify for BSCFA and therefore don’t need to apply. They will be notified of this via their MyWelfare account or by post in early June.

Most years, the closing date for the scheme is in late September.

You can find out more about BSCFA here.