Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance 2011
– Update 21st October 2011.
This year the administration of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance was undertaken for the first time by this Department. On this page you will find information on the progress we are making on administering the Allowance. The 2011 scheme is now closed. All applications received (and not yet processed) will be examined in the coming weeks. In all cases a letter will issue to applicants informing them of the decision and, where payment has been awarded, when and where they can collect the payment. In the case of refusal of the allowance the procedures for review of the decision will be outlined to customers.
- The automated process identified 127,000 households (243,000 children) that on the basis of the information available were qualified under the scheme. These 127,000 households were paid at the end of June, with letters issuing to customers from Thursday 23rd June advising them that payments would be available the following week.
- To date 17 October, a further 92,000 claims have been received, 90,000 of which have been processed. 63,000 have been paid bringing the total paid to 190,000 households, in respect of over 360,000 children.
- The 2011 scheme closed on September 30th. All applications received (and not yet processed) will be examined in the coming weeks.
- The Department is working to clear the claims as quickly as possible and expects to have a response issued in respect of the remaining claims before the end of October.
BSCFA - Reviews
If you are unhappy with the decision on your application, you should send a letter to the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Review Section at the address below setting out why you are not happy with the decision and asking that the claim be reviewed.
Department of Social Protection
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Review Section
PO Box 131
Letterkenny
Co. Donegal