More than 3,800 local families to receive Back-to-School payments this week

Scheme has been extended to include children aged two and three for the first time.

Thousands of families across Cavan and Monaghan are set to receive a welcome financial boost this week as the Government begins issuing Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary confirmed that 2,092 families in Cavan will receive payments worth almost €855,000, while a further 1,724 families in Monaghan will benefit from almost €720,000 in support.

Nationally, more than 126,000 families will receive over €48.8 million this week to help meet the cost of school uniforms and footwear ahead of the new school term.

In a significant change for 2026, the scheme has been extended to include children aged two and three for the first time. The Department estimates that around 37,000 additional children will qualify as a result.

Eligible families receive €160 for each child aged between two and 11 years, while €285 is paid for each qualifying child aged 12 and over attending second-level education.

Announcing the payments, Minister Calleary said the allowance provides vital support for families facing back-to-school expenses and encouraged anyone who believes they may qualify to apply before the September 30 deadline.

Applications remain open for eligible families who have not yet received an automatic payment, with the Department of Social Protection advising that successful applications will be processed as quickly as possible.