Westmeath & Longford parents to be informed about Back-to-School payments this week – Troy

Posted by Robert Troy TD 12/06/2012




Parents in Westmeath and Longford will be told this week if they’re eligible for the Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance for the new school year.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Robert Troy has welcomed confirmation from Social Protection Minister Joan Burton that letters are to issue this week to parents informing them if they’re entitled to the Back to School allowance.  Over 110,000 payments are due to be made around the country.

Deputy Troy said: “The rates of payment for children under the Back-to-School allowance are €150 for children aged between 4 and 11 and €250 from ages 12 to 22.  This payment is extremely important for families across the country.  The costs associated with the start of the school year put a huge strain on family budgets and I welcome the fact that the process has begun at this stage.

“There were significant problems with the Back-to-School payment last year.  I know from my own constituency that parents were left waiting a very long time and had difficulty even contacting the Department of Social Protection about their payment.

“All families in Westmeath and Longford who do not receive a letter about automatic payment of the Back-to-School allowance by June 20th can apply to the Department.  I hope the problems that were experienced with the new automated system last year have been ironed out and the concern that families have about meeting costs are not added to.

“Anyone in Longford or Westmeath who is unsure of their entitlement or has difficulty with the Department of Social Protection or their application can contact me directly on 0877979890 or my office on 044 9334857,” said Deputy Troy.