Applications open for back to school allowance scheme

Families across Cavan and Monaghan are set to benefit from an extended back to school allowance.

The scheme opened for applications today and will see 3,229 families in Cavan and Monaghan automatically receive payments in July.

The Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance provides a once-off payment to eligible families towards the cost of school clothing and footwear. 

The rate of payment for 2026 is €160 for children aged 2 - 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second level education.

The extension of the scheme in 2026 to include 2 and 3-year-olds for the first time will ensure even more families are supported at back-to-school or pre-school time.

“The costs of going back to school can place real pressure on families, so I’m delighted to see that €60.4 million is being provided nationally for the scheme this year," Senator Joe O'Reilly stated.

More than 109,000 families will automatically receive the allowance in July.

Deputy Brendan Smith stated: "Anyone raising young children knows just how quickly they grow. Clothes and shoes need to be replaced constantly and those costs can really add up for families."

Applications can be made online on www.MyWelfare.ie.