Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 2026: €160 or €285 per Child
Applications for the 2026 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) remain open until 30 September 2026. Eligible families receive a once-off payment of €160 for a child aged 2 to 11 or €285 for a child aged 12 to 22, subject to the scheme’s social protection and household income conditions.
How much is the BSCFA in 2026?
The 2026 rates are:
- €160 for each eligible child aged 2 to 11 on or before 30 September 2026;
- €285 for each eligible child aged 12 to 22 on or before 30 September 2026.
For young people aged 18 to 22, entitlement requires a return to full-time second-level education in a recognised school or college in autumn 2026.
A major change for 2026 is that the €160 payment has been extended to eligible 2- and 3-year-olds for the first time.
Who qualifies?
BSCFA is means-tested. Among the core conditions, the applicant must receive a qualifying social protection payment or participate in an approved employment, education or training support scheme.
The applicant and the child must live in Ireland, and household assessable income must be below the applicable limit. Child Support Payment is also generally required in respect of the child, subject to specific exceptions.
2026 weekly household income limits
The standard limits are:
- 1 child: €726.70 per week
- 2 children: €804.70
- 3 children: €882.70
- 4 children: €960.70
- each additional dependent child: add €78
Not every payment received by a household is counted as assessable income. Applicants should use the Department of Social Protection rules rather than simply adding every household payment together.
Do I need to apply?
Not necessarily.
More than 109,000 families were scheduled to receive the 2026 allowance automatically during the week beginning 13 July 2026. The Department sends automatic award notifications through MyWelfare or by post.
If you did not receive an automatic award notification and believe you qualify, you should submit an application even if you received BSCFA automatically in a previous year.
How to apply online
Online applications are available through MyWelfare. A verified MyGovID is required for the online process.
People who need help becoming MyGovID-verified can contact the BSCFA section. A paper form is also available for people who cannot apply online.
Application deadline
The closing date for the 2026 scheme is 30 September 2026.
Missing the automatic payment does not extend that deadline, so families who think they qualify should check their MyWelfare account before the closing date.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 2-year-old qualify in 2026?
Potentially, yes. Eligible children aged 2 and 3 were added to the €160 category for the 2026 scheme.
Is €285 the maximum payment for the whole family?
No. The payment rate applies per eligible child according to age.
Does a 20-year-old university student automatically qualify?
No. For ages 18–22, the scheme requires a return to recognised full-time second-level education.
I received BSCFA automatically last year. Can I assume I will receive it automatically this year?
No. If you did not receive an automatic award notification for 2026, you should apply if you meet the conditions.
