Sending your child to school every year is a costly exercise. Each year those costs inevitably increase with parents having to resort in some cases to credit cards and moneylenders to bridge the gap.
A recent survey carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions shows that the cost of sending a child back to school has increased every year since 2012 and now stands at €967 for primary school pupils, and at €1,474 for secondary school children. The League is encouraging parents to shop around when buying back to school items and to avoid money lenders at all costs.
In terms of what is spent, parents will spend on average:
- Extracurricular activities: €185
- Uniforms: €183
- Books: €146
- Lunches: €145
- After school care: €123
- Fees/contribution: €113
- School trips: €115
- Transport: €101
- Gym gear: €74
81% of parents of school going children (primary & secondary) feel that the costs of sending their kids back to school is a significant financial burden.
14% of those parents in debt have turned to a moneylender to cover back to school costs. A further 9% of all parents would consider turning to a moneylender to cover the costs of back to school in 2016.
The League surveyed one thousand parents and found that 31% of parents find themselves having to borrow to pay the back to school costs, while as many as 13% say they will have to cut back their spending on food to cover the extra expense. In addition, 79% of parents are expected to make a financial contribution to their children’s school, averaging €118 per child and secondary schools are more likely to request voluntary contributions than primary schools. The survey found that “voluntary” contributions across the board are up on 2015 figures.
Another finding of the survey is that 75% of parents believe that Irish schools do not support them enough in keeping down the costs of uniforms, books etc.
Ed Farrell, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, said: “Covering the considerable costs of school has become very challenging for many families around the country. While it can be tedious, we would urge parents to shop around for the best value deals. Many of the major retailers will offer fantastic deals on uniforms and school supplies”.
While they were not suggesting that parents should shop on-line for these items they felt that checking online should give parents an idea of what prices could be available. People should then set a budget and stick to it and “most importantly avoid using moneylenders”.
There are some financial supports available for those eligible to claim : The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school.
In 2016, the Department of Social Protection will pay BTSCFA automatically to a large number of qualified people. This means that many families do not have to apply for the payment. If you received this payment last year and your circumstances have not changed, you should have received a letter stating when and how your allowance will be paid. If you haven’t received a notification letter and are eligible for the allowance, you should make an application. Application forms are available in all Social Welfare offices or online at www.welfare.ie . You can also request a form by texting FORM BTSCFA followed by your address to 51909 (normal sms rates apply).
If you do not receive an automatic payment, you must apply for the Allowance. Applications must be received before the end of September
You may qualify for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) if you are:
- Getting a social welfare payment (including Family Income Supplement and Back to Work Family Dividend) or a Health Service Executive payment, or
- Taking part in an approved employment scheme (back to work scheme) including JobBridge or
- Taking part in a recognised education or training course, or
- Involved in an Area Partnership Scheme, or
- Attending a FET (formerly Fás), Fáilte Ireland or LES training scheme
Your child must be aged between 4-22 on or before 30 September. If they are aged between 18-22 they must be in full-time education in a recognised school or college.
Subject to means testing :
- The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 4-11 on or before 30 September 2016 is €100.
- The allowance paid for each eligible child aged 12-22 on or before 30 September 2016 is €200.
The scheme is open from 1st June 2016. Application forms are available online (pdf) and in all social welfare offices. You can also request a form online, via SMS (text Form BTSCFA followed by the name and address to 51909) or by emailing the Department at BSCFA@welfare.ie.
Completed application forms with supporting documentation should be returned to:
Department of Social Protection
Social Welfare Services
Department of Social Protection
College Road
Sligo F91 T384
Locall:1890 66 22 44