Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason there are so many persons in the same financial situation as they were this time last year if not worse, that have not received their back to school allowance or have received correspondence asking them to reapply; and if she will confirm if there is delay at present with issuing the allowances. [31361/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) entitlements of some 115,350 families in respect of 205,125 children have now been automatically established with reference to their primary scheme entitlement with no application form required. Letters issued to the people concerned informing them of their entitlement and notifying them that payment will issue in week commencing 16 July.

Customers who do not receive an automated payment are required to complete an application form which will be processed from a centralised unit in the Department. The Allowance is means tested so customers who are in receipt of benefit payments, on Community Employment or Back to Work schemes will be required to complete an application form.

A text message acknowledging receipt of application forms will issue this year to everyone who submits a claim form. Some 7,600 claims have been received to date and a text message has issued to 6,886 people who requested confirmation of receipt.

I can confirm to the Deputy, that there are no delays in the issuing or processing of application forms in relation to this allowance.