Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme provides a once-off payment to eligible families to assist with the costs of clothing and footwear when children start or return to school each autumn. The scheme operates from June to September each year.

The allowance is payable in respect of eligible children between the ages of 4 and 17 in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid and eligible children between the ages of 18 and 22 who are in full-time second level education and in respect of whom a qualified child allowance is being paid.

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is not payable in respect of foster children as the financial support provided to foster parents by Tusla, the foster care allowance, includes provision for the cost of clothing and footwear for the foster child.

Applications which fall outside the normal rules of the scheme may be considered for an Additional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme by the Community Welfare Service.

Any person who considers they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local Community Welfare Service. There is a National Community Welfare Service Contact Centre in place – 0818-607080 – which will direct callers to the appropriate office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is payable to a parent, including a foster parent, or guardian in respect of a child with a severe disability or condition who requires additional care and attention substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age and where that care is provided in the applicant's home.

DCA is payable to the person, including a foster parent where applicable, who is providing for the child's care, in their own home while the child resides with that person for at least 5 days each week.

A foster parent should apply for DCA once they consider that their foster child may satisfy the conditions for DCA. Any documentary information that is available from the relevant authority (HSE / TUSLA) relating to the child's placement details with the foster parent should also be provided with the DCA application for consideration by a deciding officer.

Where an existing DCA claim is in payment in respect of a qualified child and the child subsequently transfers to the care of another person in their home, including a foster parent, that person may also apply for transfer of payment in respect of the qualified child, subject to satisfying all required conditions for receipt of payment.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.