Mayo families in line for cash boost of up to €700 this month

With kids heading back to school this month and students heading off to college, September can cost families in Mayo and across Ireland a bomb.

Luckily, there are several social welfare and cost of living changes for parents to avail of with up to €700 worth of financial assistance available to cover back-to-school costs, fuel costs, and a new government support scheme that will also see the reduction of childcare costs.

What's available

Fuel Allowance -

This handy, and much needed allowance, is paid from September to April every year. This can be paid in two lump sums of €462 or 28 weekly instalments of €33.

Childcare - 

From this month, the National Childcare Scheme hourly subsidy is increasing by 74c, from €1.40 to €2.14. These new rates will see costs for families reduced by up to €96.30 per week per child and over €5000 anually.

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance-

This one-off payment to eligible families remains open for applications until September 30.

The rate is €160 for children aged four to 11 and €285 for children aged 12 years and over in secondary education.

If you already receive this allowance, there is no need to apply again, you will receive a notification through your MyWelfare account or by post if you will receive the payment.

Free Schoolbook Scheme - 

The Free Education Scheme provides free schoolbooks to Junior Cycle post-primary students from the 2024/2025 academic year. These books can cost around €300 on average

College Student Contribution -

From this month, the income threshold to qualify for the 100 per cent Student Contribution will increase to €55,924

Student Grants - 

Also from this month, the non-adjacent rates for student grants are increasing by €615 per academic year and the adjacent maintenance rates will increase by 10 per cent per academic year