Applications for the Back to School payment open early. The €285 payment helps with school costs.
Kids aged 4 to 11 get €160. Those 12 to 22 get €285. Older kids must return to school, and it must be full-time, second-level studies.
You can get BSCFA if you have a qualifying child. You must get a social welfare payment or an approved support scheme. Your income must stay within set limits. You and your child must live in Ireland. See Gov.ie for payments and schemes.
The social welfare must include child support, which was once called IQC. Some exceptions exist for this. If you don’t get child support, you may still apply.
This works if rules block child payments. Maternity or Adoptive Benefit could cause this, or your partner’s income may be too high. But your total income must fit BSCFA limits, and you must meet all other BSCFA rules too.
Your child must be the right age; they should be 4 to 17 by September 30. Older kids (18-22) must return to school, ensuring it’s full-time, second-level education. The school must be recognised, and your child must live here.
You may get BSCFA automatically, so you do not need to apply if so. The Department of Social Protection will tell you; check MyWelfare or your postal mail. No word by June’s end? Apply online, even if you got it last year.