Thousands of families will recieve their Back-To-School Allowance from today.
Families will receive the back-to-school allowance from today.
Minister Heather Humphreys said that the allowance will be sent to 124,000 families today, July 11th.
She also said she understands that many families are struggling financially. She claimed that the Government is doing what it can to support them.
However, families will have to wait another week before they receive the additional €100.
Earlier this month, Minister Norma Foley announced an increase in the back-to-school allowance.
Parents and guardians can expect to receive the extra €100 payment on July 18th.
Families with children aged between 4 and 11 will receive €260.
Families with kids over 11 will receive €385.
The changes were welcomed by some families, but middle-income families feel left behind.
Mary Lou McDonald believes the allowance should be extended to a further 500,000 children.
She told the Dáil that families who earn around €621 a week should have access to the allowance too.
McDonald claimed that many families are already “fighting to stay afloat”.
66% of parents said back-to-school costs are a financial burden.
Many admitted that they end up in financial debt because of the expenses.
Parents have to cut out things like holidays and extracurricular activities because of the costs.
You can still apply for the Back-To-School Allowance here. Parents and guardians can apply until September 30th.
“People in receipt of certain social protection payments or taking part in approved employment, education or training support schemes with household income below a certain threshold.”
