Cork parents urged to claim back to school allowance

PARENTS across Cork are being urged to ensure they check their eligibility for the back to school allowance and get their applications in for grants as soon as possible.

The call comes from City councilor, Kenneth O’ Flynn who said that many people who are struggling with the costs of sending their children back to school are not aware that they qualify for the Back to School clothing and footware allowance.

“The back to school allowance is one of the most under-claimed of all HSE payments and families who badly need it are not even aware it exists. I am currently notifying as many homes in the city as possible to try to ensure a maximum uptake of the allowance.

“Already I have met many parents who have told me how difficult they are finding it to kit out their children for the return to school. The 200 or 350 euros, depending on the age of the child, has made a huge difference to them,” he said.
Cllr O’ Flynn advised that the qualify, parents must already be in receipt of a HSE or social welfare payment in respect of their children, such as Family Income Supplement or the job seekers allowance.

“The fact that such people are in social welfare or community welfare offices regularly and are still not being made aware of this payment is very disappointing in with the HSE communicate with the vulnerable in society . The allowance can be claimed from 1 of June to 30 of September so there is still time to claim and we would urge anyone who thinks they may qualify To apply, fill in a Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance form (pdf). You can also get a form at your local health centre or text FORM BTSCFA followed by your name and address to 51909,” he said.