Over €1.45 million in back-to-school payments for Mayo families this week
Minister Dara Calleary announces rollout of Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, with scheme extended to include two and three-year-olds
More than 3,600 families in Mayo will receive €1.45 million in Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance payments this week as part of a nationwide package announced by Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary.
Across the country, over 126,000 families will receive payments totalling more than €48.8 million, benefiting over 233,000 children as parents prepare for the new school year.
This year’s scheme has been expanded to include children aged two and three for the first time, meaning an estimated 37,000 additional children will qualify for the payment nationwide.
Eligible families receive €160 for each child aged between two and 11 years, while €285 is paid for each eligible child aged 12 years and over attending second-level education.
In Mayo, 3,607 payments with a total of €1,457,270 are being issued this week.
Announcing the payments, Minister Calleary said the allowance provides vital support for families facing the costs associated with returning to school.
“This week, over 126,000 families across the country will receive the Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. This payment, which benefits over 233,000 children, is a vital support for parents in meeting their back-to-school costs over the coming weeks,” he said.
The Minister also encouraged families who believe they may qualify but have not yet applied to check their eligibility, noting that applications remain open until Wednesday, September 30, 2026.