1,700 families a day seek school costs aid

MORE than 1,700 families are applying every day for state help with the costs of sending their children back to school.

Recent surveys show households are turning to credit unions and other institutions for loans to assist with the burden of uniforms, books and other education expenses.

The Department of Social Protection has received more than 56,100 applications for its Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. The scheme pays €200 for children at primary school and €305 for each older child in full-time education.