PARENTS of school children have been encouraged to apply early for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance.
Some 28,000 children are expected to benefit this year, at a cost of £13.8 million, the Minister of State at the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Bernard Durkan, said yesterday.
Income thresholds for the allowance range from £144.70 a week for a couple with one child, to £251.10 for a family with eight children. The threshold for a lone parent with one child is £90.10.
The allowance will be paid on an age related basis and increased by £3 per child, according to Mr Durkan. The payment will be £43 for each child aged between two and 11 years, and £58 for 12 to 22 year olds. The closing date for applications is September 30th.