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NEWS RELEASE - 14th SEPTEMBER 2007


Cullen still time to apply for
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

To date this year, allowance paid in respect of over 82,000 households

Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Social and Family Affairs, today (Friday 14
September 2007) reminded families who may be entitled to the Back to School
Clothing and Footwear Allowance that they still have time to apply for the
allowance. Applications are welcome for another two weeks up until Friday 28
September.

Families who are dependant on social welfare payments or taking part in approved
employment schemes or training courses may be entitled to the Back to School
Clothing and Footwear Allowance - a social welfare payment to assist with back
to school expenses. Parents should apply to their local Community Welfare
Officer for this allowance. Some 38 million is available this year an
increase of 12 million over that provided last year.

Under the allowance, eligible parents can receive 180 for each eligible child
aged between 2 and 11 years up 60 on last year and 285 for each
child/student aged between 12 and 22 years up 95 on last year. (The 2006
rates were 120 and 190 respectively).

Minister Cullen said: "Last year a Back to School Clothing and Footwear
Allowance was paid in respect of 161,451 children and students in over 80,000
households. To date this year, the allowance has been paid in respect of over
82,000 households and I am anxious that as many people as possible apply for the
allowance before the closing date in two weeks time. The Government has made 38
million available this year - up 46% on that provided last year. I would
strongly urge parents to check with the Community Welfare Officer - based in
their local HSE office - to see if they are eligible for the allowance and to
get their application in before the closing date of Friday 28 September. The
rates of payment have increased substantially on previous years and go someway
towards the cost of helping families purchase school uniforms and shoes at a
time of financial pressure .

A person may qualify for payment of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear
Allowance if he/she has a dependant child; is in receipt of a social welfare or
health service executive payment; is participating in an approved employment
scheme or attending a recognised education or training course and if the
household income is at or below certain specified levels. Parents who are
getting Family Income Supplement may also qualify.

ENDS

Issued by:
Michelle Hoctor, 087 856 3070
Oonagh Duffy 087 254 9683


Editor s note:
A couple with one child whose weekly income is at or below 470.80 may qualify
for the allowance. A couple with two children whose weekly income is at or
below 492.80 may qualify. If they have three children, they can have an income
of 514.80 and qualify. (For families with more children, the income limit is
increased by 22 for each additional child).

A lone parent with one child could have an income of up to 331.30 per week and
qualify for a payment. (For lone parent families, with more than one child, the
income limit is increased by 22 for each additional child).

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is administered by the
Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the
Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The closing date for applications is Friday 28 September, 2007. Parents and
guardians who wish to contact the Department of Social and Family Affairs about
this allowance can telephone the Department on (LoCall 1890 66 22 44, 9.30am to
5pm). An information booklet can be ordered by phoning 1890 20 23 25 at any
time or by emailing forms@welfare.ie


To view the press release online please go to
http://www.welfare.ie/press/pr07/pr130907.html