Two thirds of back-to-school clothing and shoe allowance applications not yet processed

Schools opting for expensive, crested uniforms and PE gear are adding extra pressure on parents, says Barnardos' Stephen Moffatt. Picture: Alamy Stock 

Two thirds of the applications received by the Department of Social Protection for the 2022 Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) are yet to be processed, according to the Department’s own figures.

Since the scheme opened on June 20th, 39,500 applications have been received by the Department, and of those 24,000 applications are still being processed.