Government extend back to school allowance for children aged 2 and 3

The Government have announced an extension to the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, explicitly to include children aged 2 and 3.

​Applications opened today (June 3), and last year over 144,000 families were supported with back to school costs.

​The allowance is a one-off payment to help families with the cost of school clothing and footwear.

This year, it has been extended to include children aged 2 and 3. This is the first time this has happened, and it may help around 30,000 children qualify.

The payment is €160 for children aged 2-11 and €286 for children aged 12 and over.

​Commenting on this, Dara Calleary said: “I know that the costs for going back to school or preschool can place real pressure on families.

​“That is why I am particularly pleased that, with the support of my colleague Minister Norma Foley, we are extending the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to include 2 and 3-year-olds for the first time.

​“This means thousands more families across the country will receive practical support at a time when it matters most.

​“Applications for 2026 are now open. Last year, 144,000 families, representing 256,000 children, benefited from the scheme.

“The extra investment this year will help even more parents and guardians with the cost of clothing and footwear, while giving children the best possible start as they prepare for the year ahead.”

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said: “Education begins at the earliest point of a child's life, so early years education is vitally important.

“I welcome the extension of the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance by Minister Calleary.

“It will truly support parents of young children as they begin their journey in education.”